UN mission condemns escalation of clashes in western Libya

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemned on Saturday the grave escalation of clashes in western Libya in recent days, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the area.

"UNSMIL condemns the grave escalation in hostilities in western Libya in recent days, particularly in the Aziziya area in Warshafana, a region whose towns have witnessed considerable destruction as a result of the intermittent battles that have taken place there,"UNSMIL said in its statement.

According to the statement, the mission reiterated its call on all the parties in Libya to desist from taking any military actions or decisions that could constitute a provocation in the current environment of heightened tensions.

Libya, a major oil producer in North Africa, has been witnessing a frayed political process after its former leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled during the 2011 political turmoil. The country is now deadlocked in a dogfight between the pro-secular army and Islamist militants.

The capital city of Tripoli fell in the hands of Libya Dawn last August. The armed Islamist coalition has established its own government to confront the internationally recognized one, currently in exile in the eastern town of Tobruk.

The pro-government forces, mainly consisting of Zintan militias and tribal forces, have been trying to regain control of the capital from Libya Dawn militias since early March. The clashes are taking place in Warshafana.

Although the United Nations has brokered several rounds of peace talks between the opposing parties since last September, clashes remained despite a truce agreed on by factions. Endit