Clashes continue for control of Tripoli

Tripoli was once again under heavy shelling after the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter launched an assault on the capital. The number of people displaced due to hostilities in the Tripoli area has increased to near 20,000.

Tripoli:Libya's capital Tripoli was once again under heavy shelling on Tuesday night, following the start of a new offensive lead by Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter and his self-styled Libyan National Army.

Several neighbourhoods were hit, with the Libyan Government of National Accord Interior Minister, Fathi Bashagha, calling it a "criminal war".

The UN political mission in Libya has condemned the increased use of heavy weapons and indiscriminate shelling in and around the capital.

Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday that the heavy weapons and shelling have damaged houses, schools and civilian infrastructure.

He said the number of people displaced due to hostilities in the Tripoli area has increased to near 20,000, including more than 2,500 in the last 24 hours.

Fifty civilian casualties had been confirmed on Tuesday, including 14 deaths, but these individually verified cases must be considered a minimum, Dujarric said.

A proposed UN resolution demands that all parties in Libya immediately de-escalate the fighting and commit to a cease-fire.

The British-drafted resolution, circulated to Security Council members, also called on all parties to immediately re-commit to attending a UN-facilitated political dialogue and work toward a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Libya.

The draft resolution expressed "grave concern" at the military activity near Tripoli, which began after Hifter launched his offensive April 3.

The internationally supported UN-backed government, which is weaker, is based in Tripoli.

The Security Council is divided over Hifter's offensive.

Hifter is supported by Russia, France, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, which see him as the best hope of stabilising the troubled country and combating extremists.