BENGHAZI: At least 18 people were killed Friday as Islamists and pro-government forces clashed in Libya’s second city of Benghazi, hospital sources said.

Benghazi Medical Center said the dead were mostly soldiers and civilians fighting alongside the army in the central district of Al-Majouri.

At least 52 people have been killed since forces of retired Gen. Khalifa Haftar, backed by army units, on Wednesday launched what he called an operation to “liberate” Benghazi from militias, according to hospital figures.

An AFP correspondent in the eastern city said Friday’s clashes were the fiercest since the start of the operation.

Al-Majouri is home to the leader of the Ansar Al-Sharia jihadist group, Mohamed Al-Zehawi, and many of his men.

Residents said the two sides used weapons of all calibres in street fighting in a densely-populated district.

Air raids also struck militia targets in the districts of Al-Lithi, Al-Massaken et Bouatni, southeast of the Mediterranean city, witnesses said.

Militias have seized control of large parts of turmoil-gripped Libya since a 2011 uprising against long-time leader Muammar Qaddafi.