The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Friday expressed concern over military mobilization between the UN-backed government and the eastern-based army near the city of Tarhuna.
“UNSMIL is following with great concern the military developments and mobilization around the city of Tarhouna,” UNSMIL said in a statement.
“UNSMIL reminds all parties of their obligations in accordance with international humanitarian law and warns against any acts of retribution, including attacks against civilians, extra judicial punishments, looting, robberies and torching of public and private properties,” the statement said.
The mission also called on all parties to refrain from military escalation and resort to peaceful means.
The eastern-based army and the UN-backed government have been fighting for more than a year for the control of the capital Tripoli, despite repeated international calls for ceasefire.
The armed conflict killed and injured hundreds of civilians and forced more than 150,000 others to flee their homes.
Tarhuna, some 90 km southeast of the capital Tripoli, is the main operation center for the eastern-based army.
The UN-backed government’s forces have been making significant progress against the eastern-based army recently, most importantly taking over a major military air base in southwestern Libya.
