Military forces loyal to Libya's eastern government said they have taken control of two key neighborhoods, building on gains made against Islamist fighters over the previous three days.

Benghazi has seen some of the worst violence in the conflict that has plagued Libya since Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in an uprising five years ago. In 2011 it is the site where militants killed U.S. ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans

Now a unity government nominated under a UN-backed plan is struggling to win support within Libya -- but its progress has been hindered by political arguments as the warfare continues.

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