Armed groups loyal to Khalifa Haftar's forces advanced Sunday on the area between Gharyan and Al-Urban (45 km to southeast Gharyan) and positioned in Ghout Al-Reeh after violent clashes preceded by heavy air attacks by Haftar's Air Force.

The commander of Gharyan Protection Force Abdullah Kishlaf said Haftar's forces had attacked from Ghout Al-Reeh area coming from Al-Urban under an air cover, adding that they foiled their attacks then withdrew from Ghout Al-Reeh as it is an easy target for Haftar's warplanes, given the nature of the area.

He reaffirmed that western military zone had sent backup forces so that Gharyan and its surrounding were secured, saying the city is not in danger and the area they had withdrawn from for tactical purposes was very far from Gharyan.

In the meantime, a source from Volcano of Rage Operation said earlier that Haftar's drones carried heavy airstrikes on Ghout Al-Reeh starting Saturday night to pave the way for the ground advance for "Haftar's forces backed by mercenaries from Sudanese Janjawid."

The source said their forces withdrew from Ghout Al-Reeh to save lives as UAE drones were targeting the area for Haftar's forces, confirming that seven fighters from their side had been killed in the airstrikes.

Meanwhile, media sources said the Libyan Army under the command of Presidential Council's government thwarted an attack by Haftar's forces on Wadi Rabea frontline and Zatarna area, causing them massive losses, adding that they are preparing for a large-scale offensive that aims to defeat Haftar's forces once and for all.