Commander of "Operation Dignity" in Libya Khalifa Haftar is following up with great anger and pain the terrorist and cowardly act against Egyptians in Libya, a statement said Sunday.
He termed as "barbaric and inhuman" the beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians in the city Sirte, adding this shows the brutality of those terrorist elements that should be fought before going out of control.
The national Libyan army conducted "Operation Dignity" against those rogue groups under the cover of Islam, which is innocent of such acts, Haftar said.
"We have faced terrorism in Benghazi and Derna and dozens of our citizens and troops have been killed," Haftar said, adding terrorism is extending to western, central and southern Libya.
"It is our right to defend our citizens and protect peace and security in the country."
Haftar condoled with families of the Egyptian abductees and the Egyptian leadership and people, stressing Libya and Egypt are united against the enemies.