Dozens of soldiers were killed and more than 70 wounded in car bomb attacks and clashes between troops and Islamists around Benghazi airport, a Libyan army spokesperson said on Friday, as the UN threatened sanctions.

“Thirty-six soldiers were killed on Thursday in three car bomb attacks, followed by fighting between the army and Islamists”, a special forces unit spokesman said.

Two car bombs exploded when an army convoy travelled past close to the airport, taking out three soldiers, the spokesman said.

Later, a third bombing attack struck, also near the airport.

Libya has been sliding into chaos since long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in a Nato-backed uprising three years ago, with interim authorities confronted by powerful militias that fought to oust him.

Parliament, which was elected in June, is recognised by the international community but contested by the militia controlling capital Tripoli and Islamists holding much of the eastern city of Benghazi.