Libya’s internationally-recognised government says it has captured the strategic al-Watiya airbase from fighters loyal to renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar. The announcement by the administration of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj came after a month-long counteroffensive that has seen forces allied to it drive Haftar’s troops out of much of Libya’s western coast. Haftar launched an offensive in April 2019 to seize control of Tripoli, resulting in a stalemated conflict that has killed more than 1,000 people. Analysts say the GNA’s capture of al-Watiya, located some 25km (16 miles) from the Tunisia border, will allow its forces to fully focus on repelling Haftar’s fighters in southern Tripoli.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA
More Stories
Richard Branson’s Oasis in Morocco Gets Top Prize
The UK Keeps South Africa on its Red List for Travel
A Boost to Park Conservation Across Africa
A Road Trip along South Africa’s Wild Coast
One of the Most Challenging and Inventive Figures in Contemporary African Art
Thebe Magugu on the Political Power of Fashion
Liya Wants to Stand Out
Exclusive: Nerea Amoros Elorduy on Creating More Liveable Environments in Refugee Camps
Meet Chris Fallows, the South African Wildlife Photographer Behind ‘Air Jaws’ and More
Explore the Beautiful Crafts and Textiles Emerging Now from Africa
Can Africa’s Green Initiatives Mitigate Effects of Climate Change?
Damning Allegations Levelled against British American Tobacco South Africa