MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The order to start the operation was given by General Khalifa Haftar, commander-in-chief of the Libyan National Army.
According to the media outlet, Libya's UN-backed unity government is against Hiftar's offensive due to concerns that his forces could come into conflict not only with jihadists but also with forces loyal to the Tripoli-based General National Congress.
Since Muammar Gaddafi was ousted in 2011 Libya has fallen into anarchy, ruled both by the internationally-recognized Council of Deputies based in Tobruk and the Tripoli-based General National Congress.
The instability has triggered the rise of numerous Islamic militant and terrorist groups, particularly Daesh, which has been carrying out attacks on Libyan oil and other infrastructure.