TRIPOLI, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Libya's east-based army denied on Friday any intention to launch attacks on the cities in western Libya.
"The letter of the defense minister of Serraj (UN-backed prime minister) claiming that units of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces are moving toward cities in western Libya is mere false allegations," said Ahmad Al-Mismari, spokesman of the army, in a statement.
"Our forces are committed to the cease-fire declared in Cairo on June 8, and to their positions near the city of Sirte and Jufra district," the statement added.
The spokesman accused the rival UN-backed government of attempting to thwart the political process in Libya and carry out "provocative operations."
A day earlier, Defense Minister of Libya's UN-backed government Salah Al-Namroush issued instructions to western military units to remain alert, citing information about a possible attack by the east-based army on western cities.
The UN-backed government and the rival east-based army had engaged in a deadly armed conflict for more than a year in and around the capital Tripoli, before the east-based army withdrew from all western Libya recently.
The east-based army is allied with the east-based government as the North African country is politically divided between eastern and western governments. Enditem