Libya: Khalifa Haftar Militia Violates Cease-Fire

Forces loyal to renegade Libyan General Khalifa Haftar on Monday violated a fragile cease-fire with the UN-recognized government in Tripoli, firing mortar shells on southern areas of the capital.

The violation comes a day after a summit in the German capital of Berlin that called upon warring parties to abide by the truce.

A spokesperson to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) accused Haftar's militia of randomly shelling areas of Salaheddin, al-Ramla and Ein Zara in southern Tripoli.

The attack also targeted fuel trucks, the GNA spokesperson reported.

Berlin summit

On Sunday, world leaders met in a conference in Berlin to chart a way forward for peace in Libya.

At its conclusion, the conference stressed its commitment to implementing a fragile cease-fire in the North African country.

As part of the conference commitments, Haftar accepted in Berlin to designate members to a UN-proposed military commission with five members from each side to monitor implementation of the cease-fire.

Since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: warlord Khalifa Haftar in eastern Libya, supported mainly by Egypt and the UAE, and the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, which enjoys the UN and international recognition.

Libya's legitimate government had been under attack by Haftar since last April, claiming the lives of more than 1,000 people.

On Jan. 12, the conflict parties announced a cease-fire in response to a joint call by the Turkish and Russian leaders. But talks last week for a permanent cease-fire deal ended without an agreement after Haftar left Moscow without signing the deal.

Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara -