Fierce clashes between Libyan Islamist militiamen and forces loyal to renegade General Khalifa Haftar have killed 31 fighters on both sides, a Libyan security official said yesterday.

The fighting erupted late on Monday, with Gen Haftar’s troops and fighter jets pounding positions held by the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council, which responded with artillery, said the official.

The hours-long clashes were concentrated around the city’s Benina airport.

Gen Haftar’s side lost 20 fighters while the militiamen had 11 killed and 36 fighters in all were wounded.

Several of the wounded were reported to be in critical condition.

Fighting in recent months mostly engulfed the capital Tripoli, and also hit Benghazi.

The militias in control of the capital, operating under an umbrella group called the Dawn of Libya, have also taken control of the US embassy compound, a week after they drove out rival militias.