GNA forces announce take over of two cities in western Libya
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The cities of Sabratha and Sorman, respectively 80 and 70 km west of Tripoli, which were in the hands of Libyan National Army (LNA), were taken over on Monday by forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA).
The takeover, announced by spokesman for GNA forces, Colonel Mohamed Ganounou, is seen as an important victory likely to further secure the western region of Libya.
He added that GNA forces are chasing the remains of LNA forces led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar, adding that they also seized Emirati armoured vehicles, Grad missiles, 10 tanks and armed vehicles, according to a statement from the GNA's military operation "Volcano of Anger".
The GNA announced earlier on Monday that a battle to control the towns of Sorman and Sabratha west of Tripoli had started.
Earlier, Colonel Ganounou revealed control of large parts of the city of Sorman and the "destruction of the operations room" of Haftar's army, in addition to the seizure of important military equipment.
This new victory represents a painful blow to Haftar's troops who on 4 April launched an offensive to take control of the capital Tripoli, seat of the GNA ,which is recognised by the international community.
In June, Haftar lost the town of Ghariane, 80 km southwest of Tripoli, which sheltered all the military devices in the offensive on Tripoli. However, LNA early in January took control of Sirte, in central Libya.
Violent clashes broke out on Sunday in the Abu Grein region, southeast of Misrata, in which a plane belonging to Haftar's army was shot down and its crew of three perished.
-0- PANA BY/IS/KND/MA 13April2020
