Explosions in Libyan capital after late night air strike

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Explosions shook the Libyan capital Tripoli late on Saturday after an air strike in an escalation of a two-week offensive by eastern forces on the city held by the internationally recognized government.

An aircraft was said to be circling for more than 10 minutes over the capital with a humming sound before opening fire on a southern suburb, which witnessed the heaviest fighting between the rival forces.

Locals counted several missile strikes which apparently hit a military camp of forces loyal to Tripoli in the Sabaa district. Authorities closed Tripoli's only functioning airport.

The Libyan National Army (LNA) force loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar started an offensive two weeks ago but has been unable to breach the government's southern defenses.

In the past, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt have supported Haftar with air strikes during campaigns to take eastern Libya. Since 2014, the UAE and Egypt have provided the LNA with military equipment such as aircraft and helicopters, helping Haftar to gain the upper hand in Libya's eight-year conflict, past UN reports have established.

A member of the UN-recognized Libyan government forces fires during fighting with the eastern forces in Ain Zara, Tripoli, April 20, 2019. /Reuters Photo

The UAE even built an air base in Al Khadim in eastern Libya, one such report said in 2017.

The violence spiked after the White House said on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Haftar earlier in the week.

The disclosure of the call and a U.S. statement that it "recognized Field Marshal Haftar's significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources" has boosted the commander's supporters and enraged his opponents.

Western powers and the Gulf have been divided over a push by Haftar's forces to seize Tripoli, undermining calls by the UN for a ceasefire.

Both sides claimed progress in southern Tripoli on Saturday, but no more details were immediately available.

On Friday, two children were killed in shelling in southern Tripoli, residents said. The fighting has killed 220 people and wounded 1,066, the World Heath Organization said.

Source(s): Reuters