For the past three days, cautious calm has prevailed on Tripoli鈥檚 southern outskirts following earlier clashes between Libya鈥檚 rival political camps.
Limited clashes, however, continue to break out sporadically, especially in and around Tripoli鈥檚 international airport, which remains held by forces loyal to renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar.
On Wednesday, aircraft affiliated with Haftar鈥檚 forces reportedly carried out airstrikes in the city of Gharyan (some 100 kilometers south of the capital) without causing casualties.
Early last month, Haftar, who commands forces loyal to a government based in the country鈥檚 east, launched a major campaign to capture Tripoli, where Libya鈥檚 UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) is headquartered.
After more than a month of fighting on Tripoli鈥檚 outskirts, however, Haftar's campaign has failed to achieve its primary objective.
Nevertheless, Haftar鈥檚 forces remain deployed in several areas around the capital.
Libya has remained beset by turmoil since 2011, when long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi was ousted and killed in a bloody NATO-backed uprising after four decades in power.
The oil-rich country has since seen the emergence of two rival seats of power: one in eastern Libya, with which Haftar is affiliated, and the Tripoli-based GNA, which enjoys UN recognition.
By Walid Abdullah in Tripoli
Anadolu Agency
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