Libya's nieghbours call for cease-fire amid Tripoli offensive

Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt have expressed their "deep concern" over the chaotic situation in Libya and called for an immediate cease-fire in the country.

The foreign affairs ministers of the three countries, all neighbouring Libya, held a meeting on Wednesday in Tunisia's capital Tunis.

In a statement, they denounced "the continuous flow of weapons" and the "influx of foreign terrorist fighters" in Libya.

They agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the fight against terrorism in the region.

The meeting comes two months after the forces of east-based general Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive to seize Tripoli - the seat of the UN-recognised government.

Hundreds of people have died and tens of thousands have been displaced in the offensive on Tripoli, while diplomatic efforts to resume political talks have remained deadlocked.

The military strongman, who is backed by the UAE, Egypt, Russia and others, has already taken swathes of the country, including important onshore oil reserves.

Earlier this week, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all countries to implement an arms embargo against Libya, saying illegal weapons transfers by land, sea and air are fuelling the fighting in the oil-rich country.

Libya was plunged into chaos following the 2011 uprising that ousted and killed Moammar Gaddafi.