Forces loyal to Libya’s internationally recognized government seized a key central neighborhood of second city Benghazi from extremist militias on Tuesday, the military said.

Forces loyal to Libya's internationally recognized government seized a key central neighborhood of second city Benghazi from extremist militias on Tuesday, the military said.

The advance came as Libya's parliament again failed to vote on a UN-backed unity government seen as a crucial step in ending years of political chaos and conflict in the North African state.

Special forces retook the Benghazi area of Lithi, which had been a stronghold for extremist fighters including the ISIL group, after days of fierce clashes.