Libyan strongman’s forces targeted by airstrike

Forces loyal to the internationally recognized Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) are pictured at the entrance gate leading to Tripoli’s old airport on April 8, 2019. Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar’s forces are battling for control of an area some 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of the capital near Tripoli’s international airport, which was destroyed in 2014. (Photo by MAHMUD TURKIA / AFP)

BENGHAZI, Libya — Forces loyal to Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar said Saturday they had been targeted by an air strike, as fresh fighting flared south of Tripoli.

“We strongly condemn the air raid… in the Al-Aziziya region” by a plane, which had taken off from western Misrata, said the media office of Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA).

Forces in Misrata are mostly loyal to Libya’s internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), which has been battling Haftar for control of the war-torn north African country.

Pro-government forces in the capital Tripoli confirmed they had targeted Haftar’s men with “intensive strikes.”

The air strikes came as fresh fighting flared Saturday south of Tripoli between the pro-government forces and Haftar’s troops despite calls from the international community to halt the military offensive.

Haftar’s forces are battling for control of an area some 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of the capital near Tripoli’s international airport, which was destroyed in 2014.

On Friday they were pushed back from a key checkpoint west of the capital, less than 24 hours after seizing it during a lightning offensive towards Tripoli.

Late Friday Haftar’s men also briefly seized the airport, before being ousted.

Haftar on Thursday ordered his troops to advance on the capital.

“The time has come” to take Tripoli, he said in an audio message, pledging to spare civilians and “state institutions.”

Dozens of militia have proliferated in Libya since the NATO-backed 2011 overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi and are variously aligned with either the unity government or the rival administration in the east backed by Haftar.

Tripoli residents have expressed concern that large-scale fighting could break out and began stocking up on food and petrol.

On Saturday large queues formed at petrol stations and supermarkets, an AFP journalist said.

“We must store everything we need for the family, just in case, especially those with young children,” said Farida, a mother pushing a full shopping cart.

“You never know how long it will last,” she added.

Despite the flare-up, UN envoy Ghassan Salame insisted Saturday that talks planned to be held next week in Libya would go ahead.

“We are determined” to hold the talks “as scheduled” unless prevented by serious obstacles, Salame told a press conference.

“We want to reassure Libyans that we will stay alongside the Libyan people to make the political process a success without resorting to escalation,” he said.

Since the toppling of dictator Kadhafi, Libya has been divided between an array of armed groups.

And the internationally-recognized unity government, born out of UN-backed talks, has struggled to assert its control.

/atm