The National Council for Public Freedoms and Human Rights, a semi-governmental organization, has deplored Dignity Operation airstrikes in Benghazi, confirming that civilian areas were targeted by the airstrikes.  

The council said in a statement that Dignity Operation airstrikes and shelling have been escalated in recent days, targeting highly populated areas.

"Highly populated areas such as Al-Laithi Al-Sabri and Al-Gawarsh were bombed. Many families were evacuated while unspecified numbers of families are still staying in these areas because either they couldn’t get out of the area or they decided to remain there in order to guard their properties against theft and loss." The council said.

The council statement went on to say that the airstrikes and shelling have been escalated and Dignity Operation have now started using highly destructive bombs in the form of explosive barrels and internationally prohibited weapons in addition to non-identified ammunition.

It called on all the fighting parties there to adopt the peaceful option and to cease all fighting operations which endanger people's lives and properties.

It also called on the UN Human Rights Council and the UNSMIL to take up their responsibility regarding the fighting in Benghazi, and carry out the necessary investigations in all crimes and violations including the war crimes and assassinations of civilians and military officers between 2013 and 2014.

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