"We proudly announce the liberation of Derna, a city dear to all Libyans," General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Khalifa Haftar said in a televised speech on .
General Commander of the Libyan National Army promised residents a "new era of freedom, security and peace.
LNA General Commander said the city had been freed after five years of “bitter struggle and great sacrifices.
Meanwhile, LNA sources said the final battle centred on Derna’s Al-Maghar district, where a few militants are understood to be cornered and holed up in derelict houses.
Derna, was the only city in the eastern region beyond General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Khalifa Haftar's control.
In March 2011, a multi-state NATO-led coalition began a military intervention in Libya a month into an uprising against the country’s then dictator, Muammar Gaddafi.
That mission, which was said to be aimed at paving the way for a ceasefire in Libya and ending attacks against civilians, came to an end in October that year after the fall and death of Gaddafi amid the uprising.
Several years on, Libya remains a lawless state, with various rival armed factions vying for power.
The country is now split between two governments based in the east and the west.
