Libya: Tripoli repels attack by Haftar forces

TRIPOLI

Forces of Libya’s UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) on Thursday said they repelled a fierce attack by rival Khalifa Haftar forces as fresh clashes hit southern Tripoli.

In April, Haftar's forces launched a military campaign to capture the capital Tripoli from the internationally recognized government.

GNA military spokesman Mostafa al-Majai said in a statement that their forces repulsed air and ground attacks from the Haftar forces.

He stressed that GNA forces regained control of the Al-Tekbali military camp in the Saladin area.

In a related development, one woman was killed by random shelling of Haftar forces in Al-Fornaj area in Tripoli, according to a statement by GNA forces. Another three random projectiles hit Ben Ashour district in central Tripoli.

Since the ouster and death of ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and the GNA in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition.

* Writing by Mahmoud Barakat