Libyan reneged General Khalifa Haftar has agreed to observe a truce in his declared war on militants during the country’s national election set for June 25.
Haftar’s spokesman Mohamed El Hejazi said on Tuesday that forces loyal to the general agreed to a ceasefire to allow Libyans to vote in the parliamentary election.
The vote was called by Libya’s elections commission after parliament decided to dissolve itself under popular pressure. Many people in the North African country blame lawmakers for the prevalent lawlessness that has marked Libya’s transition towards democracy since the 2011 revolution that ousted former dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
Haftar launched a military offensive in the country’s east on May 16, saying that he wants to crush the militants and establish stability in Libya. His forces have used jets and helicopters to attack suspected militant camps.
Libyan authorities have denounced Haftar’s attacks as a “coup” bid.
Nearly three years after the fall of Gaddafi, Libya is still grappling with rising insecurity as the country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups.
The former rebels refuse to lay down arms despite efforts by the central government to impose law and order.
Thousands of angry Libyan demonstrators have recently taken to the streets in different cities to protest against lack of security across the country.
