Tripoli, May 1 (IANS) Libya’s UN-backed government has rejected halting all military operations in the country, following the rival eastern-based army’s announcement of a humanitarian truce during the holy month of Ramzan.
“We confirms our firm position to continue to defend ourselves legitimately, strike all threats wherever they exist, put an end to illegal groups that underestimate the lives of Libyans throughout the country,” the UN-backed government said in a statement on Thursday.
The statement accused the eastern-based army of continuously attacking civilians, despite previous truces both parties agreed to, reports Xinhua news agency.
On Wednesday, the eastern-based army announced cessation of military action in Libya during the month of Ramzan, threatening to attack the UN-backed government’s forces in case they breached the truce.
The eastern-based army has been leading a military campaign in and around the capital Tripoli since April 2019, attempting to take over the city and topple the rival UN-backed government.
Since the the conflict began, the UN Support Mission in Libya has documented at least 356 civilian deaths and 329 injuries.
It has also forced more than 150,000 to flee their homes.
–IANS
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