Heavy fighting has erupted south of Tripoli after Libya’s UN-backed government announced a counter-offensive against insurgent forces.
Several air strikes and explosions were reported around the Libyan capital Tripoli overnight, in an escalation of a two-week offensive by eastern forces on the city held by the internationally recognized government.
The offensive comes after days of limited advances by either side, in clashes which have killed 220 people.
Soldiers loyal to Khalifa Haftar launched an attack earlier this month with the aim of taking Tripoli.
Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj has condemned the “silence” of his international allies amid the fighting. The White House says President Trump has spoken to Haftar, suggesting the US may also endorse a new government under his command.
Here is a drone strike in a civilian neighbourhood in #Tripoli
This is the third strike in the past 90 minutes by #UAE airforce in #Libya
During the night between Saturday and Sunday, several missile strikes were reported around Tripoli, one of which apparently hit a military camp of forces loyal to Tripoli in the Sabaa district in the south of the capital, scene of the heaviest fighting between the rival forces.
As a consequence of the escalation in fighting, authorities closed Tripoli’s only functioning airport, cutting air links to a city of an estimated 2.5 million residents. The airport in Misrata, a city 200 km to the east, remained open.
Both America and Russia have refused to support a UK-drafted UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Libya.
