Tripoli forces push opponents back slightly south of Libyan capital

Forces loyal to Libya's internationally recognized government have pushed their eastern opponents back on parts of the frontline south of Tripoli, despite the attackers flying overnight air strikes on the capital, witnesses said on Sunday.

The Libyan National Army (LNA) force loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar started an offensive more than two weeks ago but has been unable to breach the southern defenses of the Tripoli government.

The latest flare-up threatens to disrupt oil flows, foment migration across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe, and allow jihadists to exploit the chaos.

It's said that forces loyal to Tripoli managed to push back the LNA several kilometers (miles) in the southern Ain Zara suburb. They managed to go several kilometers further south than when they visited the same frontline a few days ago.

Still, if a ceasefire was called as demanded by the United Nations, the LNA would have gained a considerable amount of territory, as they still control much of the area south of Tripoli including a forward base in Gharyan, a mountainous town some 80 kilometers south of Tripoli.

LNA spokesman Ahmed Mismari denied his forces had retreated, saying they had actually gained territory after what he called a successful air strike.

(Top image: Members of the Libyan internationally recognized government forces take position during the fighting with the eastern forces in Ain Zara, Tripoli, April 21, 2019. /Reuters Photo)

(REUTERS)