Tension has been brewing in Libya following drilling exercises near Sirte by soldiers loyal to the Government of National Accord headquartered in the capital Tripoli, APA can report on Monday.
GNA troops have been conducting exercises using live fire near the strategic city in anticipation of any possible showdown with forces loyal to the Libyan National Army under renegade commander Khalifa Hafter.
There were also drills in the regions around al-Jufra, coming as GNA leader Fayez al-Sarraj claimed LNA troops have been deploying in the area in recent weeks.
The internationally backed government said Russia has deployed Syrian mercenaries to bolster the LNA’s military positions in the area which is being hotly contested despite a ceasefire.
There were reported clashes between armed militias near Tripoli on Sunday.
WN/as/APA