TRIPOLI

Libya’s UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) claimed warlord Gen. Khalifa Haftar's forces violated a cease-fire by targeting the town of Abu Grain on Saturday.

Haftar forces targeted the town that is 300 kilometers (168 miles) far from the capital of Tripoli, by warplane, said Mohammed Kanunu, military spokesman for the GNA in a statement.

No casualties were reported but it emphasized the attack came before the Berlin Conference, where the German leader invited sides in an attempt to achieve stability in the region.

Blockade of oil export ports

A group affiliated with Haftar closed five oil export ports -- Brega, Ras Lanuf, Hariga, Zueitina and Sidra.

The blockade will cause loss of crude oil production of 800,000 barrels per day and approximately $55 million daily.

On Jan. 12, the warring sides in the Libyan conflict announced a cease-fire in response to a joint call by Turkish and Russian leaders.

But talks for a permanent cease-fire deal ended Monday without an agreement after Haftar left Moscow without signing a deal.

Since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the UAE, and the other in Tripoli, which enjoys the UN and international recognition.


*Writing by Davut Demircan