TRIPOLI, Libya

Soldiers of Libya's UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) on Monday said they repelled an attack by forces of military commander Khalifa Haftar in the north of the country. 

Government force in the town of Sirte repelled the attack and destroyed two armed vehicles near the east of the city, GNA forces said in a statement.

"The situation inside Sirte is completely under control, and the clashes that took place on the eve of this day took place outside the city."

The statement also denied "rumors claiming gains of militias and mercenaries of war criminal Haftar."

Since the ouster and death of ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and the GNA in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition.