Forces backing Libya’s unity government battled to push back an offensive by strongman Khalifa Haftar on Sunday as his troops approached the gates of Tripoli after air raids overnight. At least 227 people have been killed since Haftar’s forces launched their offensive, the World Health Organization said Sunday, adding that a further 1,128 have been wounded. Orders were given early this morning to advance and gain ground,” said Mustafa al-Mejii, a spokesman for GNA forces. Tripoli air traffic was suspended overnight to Sunday for “security reasons”, the city’s only operating airport said Sunday. Military sources say the ageing Soviet and Russian fighter jets used by both sides are not equipped to carry out night time strikes, but Mejii said Haftar’s forces have a helicopter with night vision capabilities.

Source: Egypt Independent April 21, 2019 14:48 UTC