Forces of the Libyan Army under the Presidential Council government’s command thwarted on Saturday morning a heavy-artillery-backed advance by Khalifa Haftar’s forces on Tripoli International Airport frontline, blocking their attempt to enter Tripoli’s downtown.

Libyan National Army fighters, headed by Marshal Khalifa Haftar, targeted positions of forces belonging to the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Azizia area, south of the capital, Tripoli.

The war for Tripoli recently entered its second month, and the main global and regional powers have yet to adopt a coherent or unified approach to the conflict. In fact, their recent actions indicate they are willing to tacitly condone Khalifa Hifter’s offensive by not rallying together to oppose it.

Spokesman for Sirte Protection Force (SPF), Taha Hadid, said Monday that ISIS is taking advantage of the ongoing events in Tripoli to reorganize themselves and resume their activities.

Clashes intensified on Monday between forces under the command of the Government of National Accord and those attacking Tripoli under Khalifa Haftar’s command on southern Tripoli frontlines.

The Secretary-General of NATO called on all parties in Libya to stop fighting and return to political dialogue in order to resolve the crisis in the country.

Sources from the Government of National Accord (GNA) confirmed that the Libyan Air Force carried out about 8 airstrikes on positions for Khalifa Haftar’s forces in Tripoli Airport Road, Qasir Benghashir and near Gharyan as well as in Sooq Al-Khamis. 

Forces loyal to Libyan rogue general Khalifa Haftar have said they have shot down a warplane of the UN-backed government south of the Libyan capital Tripoli.

The Libyan capital Tripoli is witnessing a state of cautious calm on the first day of Ramadan, following a UN call for a humanitarian truce during the holy month.

Libya’s prime minister will tour Europe to seek support against rogue general Khalifa Haftar, the country’s internationally-recognised government said on Monday. Haftar, who is currently leading an assault on Tripoli, has urged his troops to “wipe out” government forces.