Libya's gov't forces say it recaptured Gharyan city

TRIPOLI

Libya’s UN-recognized government on Wednesday said its armed forces have entirely recaptured the city of Gharyan, south of Tripoli, from rival forces, local media reported.

According to Libya's private Al-Ahrar broadcaster, the announcement was made by Col. Abdul Hakim Tanish, field commander in the UN-recognized government forces.

Citing other sources, the broadcaster reported the escape of Abdul Salam Al-Hassi, a main commander operating the forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, along with a number of other members of his forces from the city.

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.