Libyan National Army captures key areas east of Tripoli
The Libyan National Army declares it has captured
key positions east of the capital days after declaring a “final and decisive”
battle for Tripoli.
The LNA’s 127th Brigade confirmed that one of its
infantry units was able to seize strategic areas from the forces belonging to
the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), including hangars in the
al-Abyar region near Ain Zara some 11 km from Tripoli.
Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa
Haftar ordered his forces late on Thursday to begin advancing toward Tripoli
and said gunmen in the city would be provided with safety in exchange for
laying down their arms.
Haftar launched an offensive to take Tripoli in
April and fierce clashes between the two sides have persisted in the months
since.
The latest push by the eastern forces came after the
GNA’s government signed a security arrangement and maritime deal with Turkey
last month.
