Libya: from Haftar's offensive to ceasefire promise

Fighting in Libya's nearly decade-long conflict has, since April 2019, killed hundreds and displaced some 200,000.

Here is a timeline.

Haftar orders advance

On April 4, 2019, Haftar orders his troops to advance on Tripoli, seat since 2016 of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which he claims is backed by "terrorist" groups.

Haftar supports a rival administration based in the eastern city of Tobruk, and his forces already control the country's main oil fields in the south. 

The increase in tensions comes several days before a national conference, long under preparation at the United Nations, to establish a political way forward for the chaotic country.

The next day, the UN Security Council calls on Haftar's forces to halt their advance. 

On April 7, the GNA announces it has launched a counteroffensive.

On April 19, the White House says US President Donald Trump recognised Haftar's "significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources". 

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In a blow to the ambitious commander's campaign, GNA forces retake the town of Gharyan on June 26, the main supply base for Haftar's forces southwest of Tripoli.

International involvement

On November 27, Turkey and the GNA sign a deal covering military cooperation and maritime boundaries, allowing Ankara to claim rights over areas coveted by other countries including Greece.

A UN report on December 10 accuses several countries of breaching a 2011 arms embargo by supplying both camps.

On January 5, 2020, Turkey announces the deployment of Turkish troops to Libya. 

Fragile ceasefire

Turkey and Russia broker a ceasefire that comes into effect on January 12.  

The next day in Moscow, GNA chief Fayez al-Sarraj signs the deal - but Haftar leaves a day later without doing so. 

Mercenaries

UN experts confirm in early May that mercenaries from the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organisation said to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, are fighting in Libya in support of Haftar, alongside Syrian fighters from Damascus.

Pro-Turkish Syrian fighters have also been sent to help the GNA, Ankara confirms in February.

Since then hundreds of Russian mercenaries have been evacuated from the Tripoli front.

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Government takes back control

On May 18, the unity government says its forces have seized the strategic Al-Watiya air base, 140 kilometres (90 miles) southwest of Tripoli, the latest setback for Haftar.

On June 3 government forces retake the disused Tripoli International Airport after heavy fighting.

The next day, the GNA says it is back in full control of the capital and its suburbs.

On June 5, it says it has overrun Haftar's last western stronghold.

A day later government forces launch an offensive for the central town of Sirte, a strategic crossroads between east and west and gateway to oil fields.

Egypt threatens intervention

On June 11, the UN voices "horror" after reports that mass graves had been discovered in an area recently seized by the GNA.

Later that month, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi threatens a "direct" intervention if the government forces advance on Sirte which he describes as a "red line".

'Understanding'

On August 21, the rival administrations announce in separate statements that they will cease all hostilities and organise nationwide elections soon, an understanding welcomed by the UN.

The Egyptian president also welcomes the declarations.

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