By Libya Herald staff:
Tripoli, 22 April 2015:
Heavy fighting between Libya Dawn forces and those of the Libyan National Army (LNA) have . . .[restrict]continued today at a number of locations west and south west of Tripoli.
The LNA says it has taken Zahra, 30 kilometres from Tripoli International Airport and one of the main towns in the Warshafana area. It also claims to have closed the coastal highway at Bridge 27, between Tripoli and Zawia. The bridge is next to Camp 27, itself much fought over last summer but since then held by Libya Dawn.
Libya Dawn media confirm the capture of Zahra and of clashes near the highway which it says has been shelled by the LNA. But it counter claims that it closed the coastal road for security reasons.
The developments follow unconfirmed reports that the largest Libya Dawn, Al-Halboos, from Misrata, has pulled out its forces in the district after agreement with Warshefana elders. Rumours of negotiations between the Misratans and the Zintanis and Warshefana have been circulating for several days.
Elsewhere, it is reported from Sabratha that two local Dawn fighters were killed in fierce clashes south of the historic town. Sabratha supports Dawn.
There are also continuing clashes near Gharyan at Hosh Siteen and Abu Sheiba. An agreement is reported between Zintan and Gharyan on exchanging the bodies of their dead fighters.
UPDATE: The coastal highway was reported reopened this evening.
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