TRIPOLI, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Forces of the UN-backed Libyan government on Sunday announced repelling an attack by the rival east-based army in Abugrein town, some 140 km south of Misrata city.
The militias "violated the cease-fire again by desperately attempting to advance towards Abugrein. However, our brave forces destroyed and seized a number of armored vehicles," spokesman of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) forces, Mohamed Gonono, said in a statement.
"Our forces are pursuing the fleeing militias towards Washka town (near Sirte city)," the statement noted.
The east-based army, led by General Khalifa Haftar, has been leading a military campaign since April 2019 in an attempt to take over Tripoli from the GNA of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.
Thousands of people have been killed and injured in the fighting while more than 150,000 civilians were forced to flee their homes from the violence.
The two rival factions agreed to a cease-fire deal on January 12, but both have been exchanging accusations for breaching the truce.
