Tripoli militias strike civilian targets in Libya's Tarhuna by more than 20 missiles

CAIRO – 25 April 2020: Spokesperson of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Ahmed al-Mesmary announced on March 24 that Tarhuna town lying to the southeast of the capital, Tripoli, was struck by more than 20 missiles that hit houses and civilian sites accusing militias of standing behind the aggression.

The spokesperson added that losses are being determined, and that the response of the Libyan Armed Forces is ready and coming. Mesmary requested the United Nations Support Mission on Libya (UNSML) to fulfill its duties and condemn "the terrorists" pointing out that targeting civilians is banned by law.

France, Italy, Germany, and the European Union issued a joint statement on Saturday calling for a humanitarian truce in Libya between warring parties that are the LNA and the Government of National Accord (GNA).

Arab League denounces ongoing combat escalation in Libya

CAIRO - 18 April 2020: The General Secretary of the Arab League denounced on Friday the continuation of military operations in Libya, and the ongoing combat escalation between the militias of the Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli, and the Libyan National Army (LNA).

In January, following the LNA's capture of Sirte and tighter encircling of Tripoli and Misrata controlled by the GNA, both parties had pledged to commit to a truce that became a must after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic globally.

On April 20, the spokesperson stated that the Libyan Armed Forces took over Al Aqrabiyah District located near Tripoli, and deterred an attempt by the militias to advance towards Oqba Bin Nafea airbase located in Al Watiyah district western the country.

In the chase of militants to Al Gamil District, the Libyan Armed Forces captured an armed vehicle, a Turkish armored vehicle, and a number of captives causing casualties among them. The forces set up checkpoints in Al Aqrabiya and deployed advanced observation posts.

The LNA also declared eliminating a number of "high-profile terrorist elements" in the outskirts of Tripoli without mentioning details.

Since December 2019 after signing two MoUs with the GNA on defense and gas drilling in the Mediterranean, Turkey brought into Libya over 6,000 Syrian mercenaries. The GNA is an interim non-elected government that is recognized by the United Nations.