Anti-Government Forces Advance toward Libya’s 2nd Largest City

Fighting broke out Sunday as the forces of military commander Khalifa Haftar, based in the east of Libya, advanced toward the strategic western city of Misrata. This is a further blow to the already shaky, only partially observed cease-fire agreement that was agreed to earlier this month. In addition, the United Nations says that the arms embargo on Libya has been subject to “continued blatant violations,” despite pledges to respect the ban on weapons sales to Libya made by world powers at an international conference in Berlin last week. The UN-recognized Tripoli-based regime, known as the Government of National Accord, is backed by Turkey, Qatar and Italy. Haftar’s forces are backed by Egypt, France, Russia and the United Arab Emirates. Haftar’s Libyan National Army is reported to be advancing some 75 miles east of Misrata, near the town of Abugrain. Misrata is Libya’s second-largest city and home to fierce armed supporters of the recognized government in Tripoli. The recent truce, negotiated by Russia and Turkey, marked the first break in fighting in months.