Tripoli, Dec. Dec 13 (IANS): A new Islamist coalition called “Shura Council of the Mujahedeen of Darna" has been formed in Libya to include various jihadi fighters to oppose attacks of the army and forces of Major General Khalifa Haftar, media reported Saturday.

The armed Islamists Friday staged a large military rally showing machinery and fighters carrying black flags in various parts of the city of Darna, announcing the formation of the council, Xinhua reported citing Libyan media.

"The sons and rebels of the city gathered and unified to face the enemy for the sake of fairness and to support the oppressed," a statement by the newly formed council said.

"Everyone saw the devastation of the institutions, the demolition of houses and burning of mosques and universities at the hands of the outrageous followers of Haftar in the stricken Benghazi," it said.

The council also announced its support for Islamist militants of Benghazi.

The Islamist militants, including Ansar al-Sharia militia, announced the formation of the "Shura Council of the Benghazi rebels" to fight Haftar's forces after the army commander announced the military operation "Libyan Dignity" May 16, which he said aimed to eradicate "terrorism from the country".