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Islamic State suicide bomber kills 8 Libyan troops near Benghazi

Islamic State suicide bomber kills 8 Libyan troops near Benghazi

Libyan National Army (Representative Image)

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The officials say the Sunday night counter-attack in the besieged Ganfouda area also wounded another eight soldiers

Libyan security and health officials say a suicide bomber has killed eight army troops near the eastern city of Benghazi.

The officials say the Sunday night counter-attack in the besieged Ganfouda area also wounded another eight soldiers.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren't authorised to talk to reporters.

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The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the bombing in a statement circulated online.

Army spokesman Ahmed al-Mosmari says a push to retake the district is in "its last stage, and terrorist group leaders are besieged inside."

Ganfouda is one of the last two extremist-held areas in the east besieged by Libyan army troops that answer to Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter, who backs Libya's last elected parliament against rival militias loyal to the UN-backed government based in Tripoli.

(AP)