Libyan troops claim gains in Benghazi

A Libyan military spokesperson says troops loyal to the internationally-backed government have made major advances against Islamic extremists and cleared a strategic port in the eastern city of Benghazi.

Khalifa al-Obeidi told The Associated Press on Monday that the port of Mraissa, which served as the largest "supply line for the terrorists" is now under the control of the army, led by General Khalifa Hifter.

He says the army also cleared militants from a hospital in southern Benghazi.

Benghazi is Libya's second largest city and was the birthplace of the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed Muammar Gaddafi.

It has endured more than two years of heavy battles between Hifter's forces and a coalition of militias, including Islamic State (ISIS) loyalists.

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