Libya no longer relies on UN mission: official

By Ali Semerci and Hamdi Yıldız

TRIPOLI (AA) - The UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) of Libya said Saturday it no longer has trust in the UN Support Mission in Libya.

The GNA said the mission has not reacted to civilian attacks by forces affiliated with Gen. Khalifa Haftar, who in April 2018 launched a military campaign to capture Tripoli from the internationally recognized government.

Deputy Transportation Minister Hisham Abu Abushkiwat told private Libyan television channel, Ahrar, the GNA fully briefed the UN regarding Haftar forces' strike on Mitiga Airport but the organization did not act.

He said the GNA no longer relies on the UN mission led by special envoy for Libya Gassan Selame.

Also, Mustafa Mecii, spokesperson for the Burkan Al-Ghadab (Volcano of Rage) Operation told Anadolu Agency a drone owned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) struck a military position in the Sevvani region of southern Tripoli. He said no one was killed in the attack that caused property damage.

Notably, air traffic at Mitiga Airport was halted following strikes conducted via 20 Grad missiles.

Since the ouster of late longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates and another in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition.

On Nov. 27, Ankara and Libya's GNA signed two separate pacts: one on military cooperation and the other on maritime boundaries of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Turkish parliament approved Thursday sending troops to Libya.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas