The Libyan National Army (LNA), under the command of Khalifa Haftar, says it has advanced into the outskirts of Tripoli as it continues its thrust against the internationally recognised government in Tripoli.
The LNA controls the East of Libya, running a parallel administration to that of the Tripoli government.
Fighting has been reported near the former international airport, which the LNA claims now to control.
Antionio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations held talks with offensive leader Khalifa Haftar on Friday, but left the country without achieving a breakthrough.
I leave Libya with a heavy heart and deeply concerned. I still hope it is possible to avoid a bloody confrontation in and around Tripoli.
The UN is committed to facilitating a political solution and, whatever happens, the UN is committed to supporting the Libyan people.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 5, 2019
The governments of the US, UAE, France, Italy and UK issued a statement expressing their deep concern about the possibility of conflict calling for an immediate de-escalation.
The UN envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, has reiterated the calls of the Secretary General on all sides of the fighting to deescalate and commit to the political process.Salame said the aim of the UNSMIL is achieving peace and helping the Libyan people.
He also said that the UN is working on a political solution to the crisis and won’t accept a military solution.
Via Euronews
