Libya's Haftar admits 'allied airstrikes' supporting bloody Tripoli offensive

A spokesman for Libyan rogue general Khalifa Haftar has said that allied countries are conducting air strikes against forces loyal to the internationally recognised government in the capital Tripoli.

General Abdessalem al-Hassi said on Thursday during a press conference that "friendly air raids" have been taking place south of the capital targeting Government of National Accord (GNA) forces.

Hassi said the strikes have taken place in the town of Al-Aziziyah, without disclosing what country has been backing Haftar's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) with air cover.

Haftar's key regional allies are Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Cairo has carried out air strikes in Libya against militants in recent years.

Haftar launched an offensive on April 4 to seize Tripoli, a move that threatens to plunge the north African country into deep turmoil.

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The comments come as France rejected the GNA's "completely unfounded" accusation that it has been supporting Haftar.

France has ostensibly played the role of mediator between Haftar and GNA leader Fayez al-Sarraj.

The renewed fighting has killed over 200 people and left more than 900 wounded, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

More than 25,000 have been displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration.

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