Libya: Accord government hits warlord's operation base

By Ammar El Khalfi and Hamdi Yildiz

TRIPOLI (AA) - The UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya hit the operation center of warlord Khalifa Haftar in an airstrike on Saturday.

GNA forces hit Haftar's operation center in the eastern Al Washaka area of the coastal city of Sirte, said a statement by the Burkan Al-Ghadab (Volcano of Rage) Operation.

Spokesman for the GNA-led operation Mustafa al-Majei told Anadolu Agency that the strike was launched against forces loyal to Haftar in response to an attack by the United Arab Emirates in the northwestern Misrata province on Thursday.

He also said that GNA forces had made advances in the ongoing Operation Peace Storm around Tripoli.

On Thursday, GNA launched Operation Peace Storm in response to ongoing attacks by Haftar’s forces.

Since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: warlord Haftar in eastern Libya, supported by Egypt and the UAE, and the GNA in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition.

Libya's legitimate government has been under attack by Haftar's forces since last April, and more than 1,000 people have been killed in the violence.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar