Libya: GNA forces capture 102 of pro-Haftar fighters

TRIPOLI, Libya

Libya's UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) on Saturday said its forces captured 102 fighters and seized heavy military equipment, advancing against forces loyal to the warlord Khalifa Haftar.

On Saturday morning, forces of the Tripoli-based GNA launched a military operation to re-capture Tarhuna, a town of strategic value for Haftar and his last major stronghold in the area surrounding Tripoli.

Several sources said the government forces achieved rapid victories around Tarhuna.

The media office of the GNA-led Burkan Al-Ghadab (Volcano of Rage) Operation said on Facebook that the government forces captured 102 Haftar-affiliated fighters as of 4.30 p.m. local time (1430GMT), as well as a Howitzer, four tanks, four military vehicles and a mortar.

The office posted footage showing government forces seizing a tank from the Kaniyat militia -- also known as the 9th Brigade -- garrisoned in the town.

GNA forces also captured the axes of Al-Twaisha and Salah al-Din south of Tripoli.

In a separate statement, the GNA forces said they carried out 17 airstrikes against the Haftar-held Tarhouna since the morning.

Tarhuna is strategic for Haftar as it is a major focal point for his militias in their onslaught against Tripoli, as well as for their supply lines from the Al-Jufra airbase.

Meanwhile, 10 civilians, including four children, were injured as a result of Haftar forces' bombing of the capital Tripoli, according to the GNA's Health Ministry.

The GNA has been under attack by Haftar's forces since last April, with more than 1,000 killed in the violence. It launched Operation Peace Storm on March 26 to counter attacks on the capital.

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

*Bassel Ibrahim contributed to this report from Ankara