28 soldiers killed, 92 injured in fighting near Tripoli: Official

At least 28 soldiers were killed and more than 92 injured since the start of the military operations six days ago in the western region and on the outskirts of Tripoli. The Libyan army forces shot down a military aircraft launched from a base in Misrata headed towards Tripoli.

Benghazi: At least 28 soldiers were killed and more than 92 injured since the start of the military operations six days ago in the western region and on the outskirts of Tripoli, said spokesman for the Libyan National Army (LNA).

Speaking in Benghazi, LNA spokesperson Brigadier General Ahmed al-Mesmari also confirmed the first civilian casualties since the beginning of military operations.

A woman and her three children living in a house in the Qasr Bin Ghashir area of Tripoli were injured after their home was shelled.

Al-Mesmari added that the Libyan army forces shot down a military aircraft launched from a base in Misrata headed towards Tripoli.

Libya slid into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and later killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

Elections were held shortly after Gadhafi's demise, but failed to bring stability.

The oil-rich North African country is now governed by rival administrations - a UN-backed government in Tripoli and the west and Hifter and his supporters in the east.

Libya has also become a haven for armed groups, including several from neighbouring countries and a major conduit for African migrants hoping to reach Europe.