Kalifah Haftar agrees UN ceasefire in Libya on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha

The so-called National Libyan Army (LAN) under the command of Khalifa Haftar announced on Saturday that it has accepted a ceasefire suggested by the UN on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Iran Press/Africa: The LAN stated that its military operation in the suburban Tripoli, the Libyan capital, has been halted until Monday in order for the Libyan people to celebrate the Islamic feast of Eid-al-Adha.

The internationally-supported Government of National Accord (GNA) of Libya led by Fayez al-Sarraj had also announced on Friday night that it accepts the ceasefire offered by the UN on the occasion of the Islamic eve.

The UN Support Mission in Libya had called on the conflicting parties to maintain a humanitarian ceasefire in order for people to celebrate the Eid.

Sunday has been announced as Eid-al-Adha, a national holiday in Libya.

The Haftar-led LAN, supported for years by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, and a number of Western countries, controls eastern Libya, and has in recent months advanced toward the northern part of the country.

On 4 April 2018, Haftar launched a military campaign to occupy Tripoli and oust the Libyan government. Haftar’s attack coincided with UN plans to hold a national dialogue conference in Libya, which was undermined by Haftar’s campaign.

Libya has been engaged in civil war since 2011, when former dictator and strongman, Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown against the backdrop of the Arab Spring. 

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