HELICOPTERS attacked Islamist militia strongholds in eastern Libya yesterday as part of a nearly three-week offensive by renegade General Khalifa Haftar.

The gunships flown by pilots loyal to Gen Haftar attacked the base of the February 17 militia and camps belonging to the militant group Ansar al-Sharia.

Militiamen responded by firing rocket-propelled grenades and anti-aircraft guns at the attacking troops.

Ansar al-Sharia’s top leader accused the general of being a “US traitor” who was supported by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

A former Gadaffi-era army leader who defected to the US, Gen Haftar has rallied support from the country’s weakened military, anti-Islamist politicians, tribes and diplomats and vowed to crush the Islamist militias he blames for Libya’s instability.

The latest clashes near Benghazi University started late on Sunday and continued overnight, sending civilians fleeing in panic. 

They also forced the Education Ministry to cancel secondary school exams.

In Benghazi’s southern districts, citizens set up checkpoints to prevent rival forces from taking shelter as shops closed.

Residents have been unable to leave as the airport has been closed since Gen Haftar’s offensive began three weeks ago. 

Travelling by road has become risky because of the violence.

Gen Haftar’s spokesman Mohammed al-Hegazi called on residents to stay away from the fighting. He accused Islamist militias of firing at houses and civilians.

“This is not a football match. This is a war. People must stay away so they won’t be used as human shields,” he said.