Libyan Army forces under the Government of National Accord launched attacks on warlord Khalifa Haftar’s armed groups in south Tripoli on Saturday, in what appeared to be a pre-emptive attack against the armed groups who were mobilizing forces for a fresh attempt to advance on Tripoli.

Libyan Army forces attacked Haftars’s militia groups on several frontlines including Ain Zara, Wadi Rabea, Sabia’a, Souq Alsabt, Souq Alkhamies, Altwaisha Zatarna, and the airport.

Backed by airstrikes, the army forces managed to progress deeper into the strongholds of the armed groups taking control of several sand barriers and positions.

In Souq Alkhamies, army forces controlled large parts of the region and retook the cement factory after heavy exchange of fire with armed groups. In Ain Zara, they advanced a few kilometers in Sewehli and Nahir streets forcing Haftar’s armed groups to retreat.

Several gunmen loyal to Haftar were captured during the attacks, according to videos shared on Facebook.

In Bani Walid town, Libyan Airforce attacked trucks carrying multiple rocket launchers for Haftar’s armed groups.

Earlier, a militia leader said their forces had finished preparations for a massive offensive to enter Tripoli.

Meanwhile, spokesperson of warlord Khalifa Haftar’s armed groups Ahmed Al-Mismari said their forces repelled the attacks, claiming the attacks were backed by “Turkish officers”.

Speaking in a press conference from Abu Dhabi, the UAE, he boasted about their army saying it had defeated 17,000 terrorists from around the world in Benghazi and Derna.