Libya: UN-backed government claims victory in siege of Tripoli

Forces loyal to the UN-backed government announced on Thursday an end to the siege of the Libyan capital Tripoli.

“In these historic moments, we announce that all municipal boundaries of Tripoli have been liberated,” said Mohamad Gnounou, a spokesman for forces supporting the UN-backed government.

Last year, general-turned-warlord Khalifa Haftar launched a successful offensive to capture the capital. While his forces managed to secure key victories, including the capture of Tripoli’s international airport, he stopped short of occupying the city.

However, over the past month, pro-government forces have managed to clear our Haftar’s forces, including recapturing the strategic international airport on the outskirts of Tripoli. Turkish drones played a crucial role in repelling Haftar’s forces in recent weeks.

More to follow…

ls/rt (AP, Reuters)

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