Libyan government says it has entered Haftar stronghold Tarhuna

Forces loyal to Libya’s internationally recognised government said they entered Tarhuna, the last major stronghold of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar, capping the sudden collapse of his 14-month offensive.

There was no immediate comment from Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) on whether its forces remained in the town, a day after they were pushed from their last positions in the capital, Tripoli.

Turkey’s backing has helped the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) win a string of victories in recent weeks, ending an assault on Tripoli that led to battles in its southern suburbs and bombardment of the city centre.

Tarhuna was the main launch pad for the offensive against the capital that Haftar’s forces finally abandoned this week.

The GNA operations room said in a statement its forces had reached the centre of Tarhuna after entering from four sides.