As pro-government militias March from Misrata to Tripoli, Libya’s backed PM Fayez al-Sarraj has vowed to defend Tripoli — the capital of Libya.
Fayez al-Sarraj accused General Khalifa Haftar of launching a coup in a televised address. He said, however, that General Khalifa Haftar’s troops will have to deal with “strength and power”.
Fayez al-Sarraj, born in 1943, the former army officer assisted Colonel Muammar Gaddafi gain power in 1969. He later fell out with Gaddafi and went on an exile in the US. He returned in 2011 after the uprising against Gaddafi began and became a rebel commander.
The rebels are on the outskirts of Tripoli and say they have seized Tripoli’s international airport. Tripoli is the base of the UN-backed, internationally recognised government.
In a multi-pronged attack, from the west of the city, and likewise the south, rebel forces are currently advancing on Tripoli although they have reportedly been slowed by pro-government fighters.
Earlier this year, the Libyan National Army (LNA) headed by Gen Haftar, seized the south of Libya and its oil fields.
Since Muammar Gaddafi was killed and deposed 8 years ago, Libya has been filled with violence and political instability.
On Thursday, Gen Haftar ordered his forces to advance on Tripoli as General Antonio Guterres — UN Secretary General was in Tripolil to discuss the crisis.
Gen Haftar spoke to Mr Guterres in Benghazi on Friday, and told him that he will not put his operations on a halt until his troops had conquered “terrorism”.
While Gen Haftar declared a coup, PM al-Sarraj said his government has “extended our hands towards peace.”
Forces have been ordered “to deal with the threat of those striving to destabilize and intimidate civilians”, he said, adding those responsible will be brought to justice.