Libya's east-based army denies intention to attack western cities

Source: Xinhua| 2020-10-10 02:54:54|Editor: huaxia
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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

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