Libya's GNA: No radical Syrian fighters among ranks

TRIPOLI, Libya

Libya's UN-recognized government refuted Wednesday allegations that Syrian extremist groups were taking part in its offensive against forces loyal to renegade commander Khalifa Haftar.

“The claim that radical Syrian fighters rank among the Government of National Accord (GNA) forces, which is defending the capital Tripoli against Haftar, is far from reality," Abdul-Malik Al-Madani, spokesman for the Burkan Al-Ghadab (Volcano of Rage) Operation by Libya’s UN-recognized government, told Anadolu Agency.

"Only the units subordinated to the Libyan army and people are fighting in our ranks," Madani said.

He added that these forces defend the legitimate government and civilians in the capital against incessant bombing carried out by Haftar's forces.

Madani reiterated the GNA's calls to the UN to stop these killings of innocent civilians remained unanswered.

The spokesman highlighted that Turkey provides military and security support to GNA’s ground forces as part of the agreement signed between the two sides.

He said some military experts came to Libya from Turkey, but they were not involved in the conflict in Tripoli.

“They are here for the GNA’s and Turkey's common interests,” he added.

Despite the Berlin Conference on Libya on Jan. 19 which called for a permanent cease-fire in the war-torn country, Haftar’s forces have continued their attacks.

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 United Arab Emirates, and the other in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition.

Libya’s legitimate government has been under attack by Haftar’s forces since last April, claiming the lives of more than 1,000 people.