The Libyan army has recaptured Tamahid, the largest air force base in southern Libya, hours after it was seized by militants loyal to former strongman Muammar Gaddafi, spokesman Ali al-Sheikhi said.
Al-Sheikhi told Anadolu Agency on Sunday that army units managed to regain control over the base after hours of fighting with pro-Gaddafi militants, who eventually retreated.
He maintained that the base suffered property damage and looting. However, he stopped short from disclosing information on possible casualties.
On Saturday, Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan announced that militants loyal to Gaddafi have captured the Tamahid air force base in the southwestern city of Sabha, where deadly clashes between tribesmen and military forces have been raging for almost two weeks.
Moreover, al-Sheikhi said that the Libyan air force is currently on alert in preparation for "any attempt to breach Libyan sovereignty," adding that fighter jets have been deployed to monitor the southern regions.
Libyans have struggled to restore order to their country since Gaddafi's death in late 2011.
The transitional government and its security forces, meanwhile, have struggled to contain the armed militias that helped overthrow Gaddafi but which held onto their weapons after the 2011 uprising.
By Mohamed al-Nagem
englishnews@aa.com.tr
