Libya's Haftar orders forces to advance on Tripoli

TUNIS, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- Libya's commander Khalifa Haftar on Thursday ordered his troops to move towards the capital city of Tripoli and take control of it, calling this move as the "final battle" for the capital.
Haftar, who heads the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), announced the decisive battle and the movement towards the center of the capital to free it, Libya's 218 channel reported.
He urged the forces to maintain public and private properties, and respect the principles of the international humanitarian law.
He called on the forces of Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) to stay at homes so as te be safe, stressing the inevitable victory of the LNA.
The move comes in retaliation for a deal signed between the GNA and Turkey stipulating for sending Turkish military forces to Tripoli. The deal irritated Libya's neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, LNA spokesman Ahmad Al-Mesmari warned against the deal saying it would open way for the entry of Turkish forces into Libya's territorial waters and land.
Last April, Haftar launched an attack trying to take control of Tripoli, but the GNA forces repelled the attacks of the commander's troops. (end) ks.hm