Sometimes Jihadists can conduct savvy public relations campaigns, but a lot of the time they seem to just put their foot in their mouth and play into their opponents hands. This is what appears to have happened with Ansar Sharia's latest pronouncements. Moreover, the escalation of conflict in Libya's East appears to have been just what the doctor ordered for Hiftar as he can demonstrate that he is the only one of Libya's leader's serious enough to take action. You can read here how Ansar al-Sharia have denounced Operation Karama as a Crusade against Islam. Or you can read here about the airstrikes in Benghazi here which appear to be a broadening of the anti-Islamist campaign to include a crackdown on MB aligned groups like the Feb 17 Brigade.
Spokesman for General Khalifa Hafter, Mohammed Al-Hijezi, confirmed to the Libya Herald that the Libyan National Army was carrying out the operation which was targeting February 17 Brigade and Ansar Al-Sharia forces at the Gwarsha Gate.Sporadic fighting has taken place in Benghazi throughout the day after Ansar Al-Sharia last night surrounded Benghazi Security Directorate (BSD), demanding the release of three prisoners and exchanging fire with security forces.The sound of bombing and anti-aircraft fire ould be heard across Benghazi. Residents said these were the worst clashes in the city since General Khalifa Hifter launched Operation Dignity over a week and a half ago.Read more: http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/28/breaking-news-airstrikes-on-benghazi-following-clashes/#ixzz331lSF8vr