Libya's UN-backed gov't announces repelling attack near Tripoli

Tripoli attack

TRIPOLI, March 14 (Xinhua) -- The UN-backed government's forces repelled an attack by the rival east-based army in southern Tripoli, killing at least 25 soldiers and destroying four military vehicles of the east-based army, a spokesman of the forces of the UN-backed Libyan government said Friday.

"Our forces managed to deal with the attack (of the east-based army) in Ramla area (in southern Tripoli), destroying four military vehicles and killing no less than 15 of their mercenaries," Mohamed Gonono said in a statement.

"Our brave forces also repelled an attack in Aiz Zara and Matabbat areas (southern Tripoli), killing 10 members of the invading militias," the statement said.

The east-based army has been leading a military campaign since April 2019 in and around Tripoli, attempting to take over the city and topple the UN-backed government.

The rivals agreed to a cease-fire on Jan. 12. However, both parties have accused each other of breaching the truce.