The U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland on Wednesday expressed concern over the “fragile” cease-fire in and around the capital Tripoli, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy to Libya.
Norland made his remarks during a meeting with the UN-backed Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Serraj in South Africa’s Pretoria, where the two discussed international efforts in support of a political solution to the Libyan conflict, said the statement.
“During the meeting, the ambassador expressed his deep concern about the fragile cease-fire around Tripoli, the ongoing oil production shutdown, and the displacement of Libyan families due to continued shelling on civilian areas and infrastructure,” the statement said.
The eastern-based army has been leading a military campaign since April 2019 in and around the capital Tripoli, attempting to take over the city and topple the UN-backed government.
The fighting has killed and injured thousands of people and forced more than 150,000 to flee their homes.
The rivals have agreed to cease fire on January 12. However, both parties exchanged accusations of breaching the truce.
