AFRICOM underlines strong cooperation with Libya gov't

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) – The US Command in Africa (AFRICOM) on Saturday underlined the strength of bilateral cooperation with the Libyan government.

In a statement to the private Libyan February TV, AFRICOM said the US views that peace should be established in Libya through a political process.

It warned that the involvement of the Russian Wagner mercenaries in Libya delays the achievement of peace in the country and prolongs the suffering of the Libyans.

AFRICOM said that it has underlined to the Libyan government "the necessity to return to dialogue".

The Libyan government, which enjoys recognition by the UN, has been under attack by warlord Khalifa Haftar's militia since April 2019, with more than 1,000 killed in the violence.

In March, the government launched Operation Peace Storm to counter attacks on the capital Tripoli and recently regained strategic locations, including the Al-Watiya airbase and Tarhuna, which is viewed as a significant blow to Haftar's forces.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara