Libya’s eastern-based army announces cease-fire in western Libya
Libya‘s eastern-based army on Saturday announced cease-fire and stopping all the military operations against the UN-backed government in all western Libya.
“The General Command of the Libya’s Arab Armed Forces declares cease-fire and stop of military operations in the western region, starting from 00:01, Jan. 12, 2020, provided that the other party commits to cease-fire at this time,” the eastern-based army said in a statement.
“The response will be harsh in case of any breach to this truce,” the statement said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called on the Libya’s rival parties to establish an immediate cease-fire and to stop all hostilities.
The Tripoli-based UN-backed government welcomed the Turkish-Russian call, stressing the keenness to end the war and resume political process.
The eastern-based army has been leading a military campaign in and around Tripoli since early April, trying to take over the city and topple the UN-backed government.
Thousands have been killed and injured in the fighting, and more than 120,000 people fled their homes from the violence.
