The Libyan National Army (LNA) advanced late on December 12 towards the city center of the country’s capital, Tripoli, from two directions.

A few hours earlier, the army’s Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar announced the launch of a “decisive battle” to capture Tripoli from the Government of National Accord (GNA).

According to the LNA’s media office, army units imposed control of the Police Officers Academy in the area of Saladin south of Tripoli. The army also advanced southwest of the capital, securing the road between the areas of al-Sa’diyah and al-Tugar.

Furthermore, a spokesman for the LNA, Gen. Ahmed al-Mismari, claimed that the Libyan Air Force (LNA) had imposed air control over the Libyan capital.

“Our forces conducted special operations against targets of GNA battalions in Tripoli,” Gen. al-Mismari told al-Arabiya TV.

Forces loyal to the GNA denied that the LNA advanced south of Tripoli. A spokesman for GNA forces said that fresh reinforcements are being deployed south of the capital.

The LNA’s attack on Tripoli appears to be motivated by the recent maritime agreement between the GNA and Turkey. Egypt, a key backer of the army, was also not pleased with the agreement.