Fighting Surges Near Libyan Capital as Anti-Hafter Forces Counter-Attack

Forces loyal to the unity government began a counter-attack over the weekend in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, pushing into the southern parts of town, and trying to push out the forces of Khalifa Hafter, who has been invading the area.

Explosions were reported in one of the suburbs of southern Tripoli, and locals speculated that airstrikes were responsible. This is the area through which Hafter’s forces are trying to enter the capital.

At least 15, and potentially as many as 22 people were killed in fighting over the weekend, as the two sides picked up the pace. While the weekend changed which side was on the offensive, it isn’t clear that any territory of substance changed hands so far.

Hafter is trying to take the capital in his latest attempt to gain power in Libya, something which has involved several coup attempts. President Trump spoke with Hafter last week, and the US appears to be increasingly positive about his role in this fight.