Clashes renew between rival forces near Libya's Tripoli

TRIPOLI

Clashes renewed on Wednesday between forces of Libya's UN-recognized government and troops aligned with East Libya-based commander Khalifa Haftar near the capital Tripoli, according to a Libyan spokesman.

The fighting took place in Abu Shiba area near the city of Gharyan, south of Tripoli, which is held by Haftar's forces.

"Our forces managed to take control of Qawasim area and Abu Shiba agriculture project near Gharyan city," Major General Ahmed Abushahma, a spokesman for forces of the UN-recognized government, told the local Arraed television.

There was no comment from Haftar's forces on the claim.

Haftar's forces have so far been unsuccessful in seeking to capture Tripoli from the U.N.-recognized Government of National Accord in an offensive that began in April.

Nevertheless, his forces remain deployed in several areas around the capital.

Libya has remained beset by turmoil since 2011, when long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was ousted and killed in a 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 U.N.- recognized government.