Shelling from rebel forces in Libya hit near the Turkish and Italian embassies late last night, Reuters reported. The embattled Tripoli government continues to hold on to the capital amid the rebel offensive and support for both sides from regional rivals in the region.
Libyan strongman Gen. Khalifa Hifter’s Libyan National Army (LNA) controls most of eastern Libya and made a renewed effort to take Tripoli in March. Hifter receives support from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Russia. Their opponent, the Government of National Accord (GNA), is recognized by the United Nations and receives support from Turkey. However, it only controls Tripoli and some other parts in the northwest. Libya has been in a state of conflict since the successful NATO-backed armed rebellion against longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.
