Libyan government forces retake two bases from Haftar

By Afra Aksoy</p> <p>TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) – Forces loyal to Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) recaptured two military bases near the capital Monday from commander Khalifa Haftar, according to GNA’s social media account. </p> <p>The counteroffensive, called “Volcano of Anger”, repelled attacks conducted by Haftar’s forces in Tripoli and other cities, retaking Yarmouk and as-Sawareh military bases, according to the social media posts.</p> <p>Some 23 forces of Haftar were captured during the operation, it said.</p> <p>GNA forces also recaptured Tripoli International Airport from Haftar, according to a local military source.</p> <p>Meanwhile, flights returned to normal at Mitiga airport in the capital after it was targeted earlier Monday by warplanes affiliated with Libya’s eastern government and forces loyal to Haftar.</p> <p>Last Thursday, Haftar launched military operations with the aim of capturing Tripoli. After initial success, however, the campaign appeared to have ground to a halt Monday. </p> <p>Libya has remained beset by turmoil since 2011, when a bloody, NATO-backed uprising led to the ouster and death of strongman Muammar Gaddafi after four decades in power. </p> <p>Since then, the country’s stark political divisions have yielded two rival seats of power: one in the eastern city of Al-Bayda, with which Haftar is associated, and another in Tripoli, which has UN support.</p> <p>*Writing by Nilay Kar Onum<br> <br>