Libyan security official warns against new war in Sirte

TRIPOLI, March 14 (Xinhua) -- A Libyan government Security force on Thursday warned against a "new war" in the city of Sirte, following reports of advancement of the eastern-based army towards the city.

"Any attempt to attack Sirte will be deemed a declaration of war of severe consequences, and we will be ready for it," said Mohamed Al-Ghusri, spokesman of Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous, a Security force based in Sirte.

Al-Ghusri warned against "bringing a new war to the city, in which everyone will lose."

"Sirte is safe after it was liberated from the Islamic State (IS) elements by the forces of Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous," the spokesman added.

Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous is a Security force Allied with the Tripoli-based unity government. Later in 2016, the force defeated the IS militants in Sirte, some 450 km east of the capitAl Tripoli, after more than eight months of war.

LocAl media reported that forces of the eastern-based army, led by GenerAl KhAlifa Haftar, have been advancing towards Sirte.

The army made no comment in this regard so far.

"Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous forces reject any party exploiting the status of army to achieve politicAl gains," the spokesman said.

Al-Ghusri Also reveAled that All reserve troops have been cAlled and that a state of public Alert has been declared.

Haftar's army is Allied with the eastern-based government, as the country is politicAlly divided between the eastern and western governments.

Libya has been suffering armed conflict and inSecurity ever since the fAll of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011. Enditem