Libya's Haftar defies cease-fire, launches attacks

By Idris Okuducu and Enes Canli

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) – Libya's UN-recognized government said Sunday that forces of renegade commander Khalifa Haftar had launched attacks in the country's northwest despite a call for cease-fire.

The militias attacked Abu Qurain area, located 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of the port city of Misrata, said Abdul-Malik Al-Madani, spokesman for the Burkan Al-Ghadab (Volcano of Rage) Operation by Libya’s UN-recognized government.

The attacks came despite calls for cease-fire by the Berlin Conference.

Al-Madani said that violent clashes were ongoing in the region which was still under their control and civilian settlements were being shelled.

On Jan. 12, parties in Libya announced a cease-fire in response to a joint call by the leaders of Turkey and Russia. But talks for a permanent cease-fire ended without an agreement after Haftar left Moscow without signing the deal.

A week later, Haftar accepted terms in Berlin to designate members to a UN-proposed military commission with five members from each side to monitor the implementation of the cease-fire.

Since the ouster of late ruler 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 the other in Tripoli, which enjoys the UN and international recognition.