Fighting continues between Libyan rivals

By Nathan Morley

Over the last 24-hours, Libya's UN-backed government, known as the GNA, has carried out a series of air-strikes against forces loyal to Haftar, whose troops are reeling from government attacks and are in retreat.

Haftar and his self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) have suffered a series of brutal defeats, losing two towns and a key airbase to pro-GNA forces.

For the last 12-months, the conflict has been especially violent. Libya has been dogged by conflict since the ouster and killing of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Since April 2019, the so-called LNA has been pushing an offensive on Tripoli's southern outskirts, not too far from where the internationally recognized GNA is situated.

In the last few days, Turkey has warned forces loyal to Haftar against attacks on its interests, saying such moves would have serious repercussions.

In recent months, Ankara has provided military support to the GNA.

Since 2011, it is estimated that around 400,000 Libyans have been displaced — about half of them in recent months amid the fighting in Tripoli.

Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recip Tayip Erdogan held a phone call to evaluate the latest developments in Libya.