Italian Embassy in Tripoli denies closure reports

TRIPOLI

The Italian Embassy has denied reports about closing its premises in Tripoli amid clashes between rivals in the Libyan capital.

In a tweet on Monday, the embassy said all ordinary activities were continuing in the diplomatic mission.

Libyan media earlier reported that Rome had closed its embassy in Tripoli over the ongoing fighting in the capital.

Last week, Khalifa Haftar, who commands forces loyal to East Libya-based government, launched a military campaign to capture Tripoli, where Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) is based.

Since the 2011 ouster of strongman Muammar Gaddafi, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya, and another in Tripoli, which enjoys UN's support.