Libya: Fresh armed clashes near capital Tripoli

By Waleed Abdullah

TRIPOLI (AA) – Fresh clashes have erupted in Libya, between the forces loyal to eastern Libya based Gen Khalifa Haftar and forces belonging to the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA).

The heavy fighting was going on in southern Tripoli, a GNA's military source told Anadolu Agency, on the condition of anonymity.

The source added that clashes erupted after Haftar forces, launched attacks on a gathering of soldiers belonging to the GNA's Libyan Army in Al-Saediya area frontline.

On Monday, the media office of GNA claimed that its forces have pushed back Haftar’s forces, from Al-Aziziya area and have seized control of the area.

The media office also confirmed that in the military operation code named Volcano of Range, the GNA forces seized four armoured vehicles, captured nine of Haftar fighters and also destroyed a number of armoured vehicles, including one having manufacturing mark of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

GNA government has repeatedly accused the UAE of backing Haftar's assault on Tripoli. However, the UAE has denied such accusations.

In April, Haftar’s forces launched a military campaign to capture Tripoli from the Internationally-recognized GNA. But has so far failed to make advances, beyond borders of the Libyan capital.

Since the ouster of late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: One in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the UAE, and another in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and International recognition.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara