ISIS Daesh
© Associated Press
Chief of the Libyan army Khalifa Haftar is preparing troops for an attack on the position of the terrorist group "Islamic State" (IS, banned in Russia) in the city of Sirte, which should begin within 48 hours, according to British newspaper The Times , citing military sources.

The newspaper notes that about 7000 military deployed in the city of Ajdabiya, have to strike the first blow to the positions of the IS. Another 700 military will be to the south-east of the city of Sirte, ready for battle, which in the military is estimated to last at least a month. The troops will air support from MiG-23 fighter aircraft, reported Gen. Akram Bou-Khaliq.

Residents of the city Ajdabiya videotaped a large convoy of 150 pick-up trucks equipped with anti-aircraft guns, which was heading towards Sirte.

The Government of National Unity opposes these actions by stating that they can not only lead to clashes with the militants IS, but also with the military loyal to the General National Congress in Tripoli, whose forces are now deployed to the west of the city of Sirte.

"The liberation of Sirte could lead to a confrontation between the armed forces. We ask the military to wait until the government will appoint a joint command for operations in Sirte. Any violation of this order will be considered as failure to comply with military regulations.." - official in the GNU administration.

Khalifa Haftar is known for his anti-Islamic views. After the event which overthrew and killed Muammar Gaddafi, the commander in chief returned to Libya and sided with the secular forces, including those recognized by the international community of the Parliament, located in Tobruk, in eastern Libya.

In May 2014 the Haftarah announced the launch of "Operation Dignity of Libya." Then he announced his intention to "destroy all extremists and terrorists."

After the overthrow and killing of Muammar Gaddafi in October 2011 in Libya, a dual power emerged: on the one hand - elected in the general election the Parliament, sitting in Tobruk in the east, on the other - Islamist General National Congress in Tripoli. With the support of the United Nations the governmental Cabinet of National Unity headed by Fayez al-Sarraj was formed

Edited Google translation from the Russian original.