Libya’s UN-backed government says at least 32 people have been killed and around 50 wounded in fighting near the capital, Tripoli. Rebel forces under General Khalifa Haftar have been carrying out a multi-pronged attack from the south and west of the city since Thursday.

General Haftar has the support of Egypt and the UAE and is strong in eastern Libya. Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj has accused him of attempting a coup and says rebels will be met with force.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for an immediate halt to the fighting and called for talks. Earlier, the UN appealed for a two-hour truce so casualties and civilians could be evacuated, but fighting continued.