Forces loyal to Libya's unity government said Saturday they have launched a counter-attack against strongman Khalifa Haftar's fighters just south of the capital Tripoli. "We have launched a new phase of attack. Orders were given early this morning to advance and gain ground," said Mustafa al-Mejii, a spokesman for the Government of National Accord's forces. Haftar launched an offensive on April 4 against Tripoli, where the UN-recognised GNA is based.
The military commander backs a rival administration based in eastern Libya that refuses to recognise the authority of the Tripoli government. Sustained rocket and shellfire could be heard in several districts of the capital on Saturday, after several days of less intense fighting and stalemate on the ground.