In a move disavowed by the Libyan government , a retired military general led Libyan troops and other forces loyal to him in a deadly attack Friday against Islamist militants in and around the eastern city of Benghazi , Libyan media reported . At least 12 people were killed and 91 others were injured in clashes around the country 's second-largest city , Libyan state news agency LANA said Friday , citing local hospitals . Retired Libyan Gen. Khalifa Haftar , who participated in the 2011 rebellion that ousted dictator Moammar Gadhafi , launched the attack that supporters said was an attempt to clear the city of extremist groups , CNN affiliate Libya Awalan TV reported . The Libyan government and the military command in Tripoli reacted with alarm , saying that they did n't order the attack , and that the operation -- which they conceded included some Libyan soldiers -- amounted to a `` coup . '' That such a force could mount an attack without the government 's blessing underscores the difficulty that Tripoli -- more than 400 miles to the west -- has had in trying to influence a dire situation in Benghazi , where Islamist groups have been blamed for near daily assassinations , bombings and kidnappings against security forces . A Libyan air force plane and 120 military vehicles took part in the unauthorized operation against the militants , acting Prime Minister Abduallah al-Thinni said on Libyan state-run TV . Residents of Benghazi , meanwhile , told CNN that they saw more than one military plane overhead Friday . It was n't clear how many of the operation 's fighters were members of the North African country 's military . `` Their movements are against military orders issued by the legitimate authorities , '' al-Thinni said , adding that he felt the move undermined government-sanctioned efforts to fight militants in Benghazi . Haftar led the operation , Libyan army Chief of Staff Abdul Salam Jad said , describing the attack as an `` attempted coup on legitimacy , '' according to Libya 's official LANA news agency . Retired general had promised action . Haftar was a commander under Gadhafi before the general defected in the 1980s . Haftar was in exile in the United States until he returned for the 2011 rebellion . In recent months , Haftar toured cities in eastern Libya , promising some kind of military offensive to purge Benghazi -- the cradle of the 2011 revolution against Gadhafi -- of Islamist extremist groups . Haftar 's overtures came amid rising frustration in Benghazi that Tripoli has n't been able to staunch radical Islamist militant groups ' presence and influence , which has been rising since the revolution . Residents and officials have blamed the violence that has gripped Benghazi on groups including Ansar al Sharia . The United States designated that group a terrorist organization this year , and has accused it of being involved in the 2012 attack that killed four Americans -- including Ambassador Christopher Stevens -- at a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi . Official Libyan security forces have struggled to deal with hostile militias , so the government has relied on other militias , many on the state 's payroll , in an attempt to enhance security . But various other political forces also have relied on militias , leaving the country awash in armed groups -- many who refused to disband after the revolution -- with competing agendas and loyalties . Al-Thinni called on government-sanctioned militias Friday to `` practice self-restraint '' and keep abiding by the Army 's orders , . `` The government calls on the people in the capital of the revolution , Benghazi , to be calm and ( to ) support the legitimacy of the ... revolution and its police and army , '' al-Thinni said on state TV . Algeria temporarily closes embassy in Tripoli , citing unspecified threats . Meanwhile , Algeria temporarily closed its embassy and consulate in Libya 's capital due to a `` real and imminent threat '' against its diplomats and consular staff in Libya , the Algerian Foreign Ministry said Friday , according to Algerian state-run news agency Algerie Presse Service . The ministry described the move in Tripoli as an `` urgent and protective measure in coordination with Libyan authorities after receiving confirmed information about a real threat against our diplomats and consular staff , '' according to APS . Libyan government officials were not immediately available for comment .
Libyan media : Retired Gen. Khalifa Haftar leads offensive against Benghazi militants . Offensive includes Libyan military forces , but attack not authorized by Tripoli , government says . Acting Prime Minister says unauthorized action amounts to `` coup '' At least 12 killed , 91 injured in Benghazi-area clashes , state-run news agency says .