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Libya’s LNA Forces Capture 'Portuguese Pilot' After Downing Jet Near Tripoli

© AP Photo / Esam Omran Al-FetoriMembers of Libyan National Army (LNA) commanded by Khalifa Haftar, get ready before heading out of Benghazi to reinforce the troops advancing to Tripoli, in Benghazi, Libya April 13, 2019
Members of Libyan National Army (LNA) commanded by Khalifa Haftar, get ready before heading out of Benghazi to reinforce the troops advancing to Tripoli, in Benghazi, Libya April 13, 2019 - Sputnik International
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The Libyan National Army (LNA), of Khalifa Haftar, has shot down a military plane loyal to the Tripoli Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj, Sky News Arabia reported, referencing its own source.

According to reports, the plane was shot down in the area of Al-Hir, south of Tripoli. The LNA's forces have previously destroyed GNA aircraft, as well as planes belonging to group allied to it. The pilot, a "Portuguese mercenary" flying a Mirage F1ED aircraft, has been captured by LNA forces, reports say.

The incident comes a day after Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar reportedly ordered the LNA forces to chase and destroy enemy troops.

​On 4 April, the Libyan National Army's (LNA) launched an offensive on Tripoli, which is controlled by the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA). Two days later the GNA announced a counteroffensive dubbed "Volcano of Rage".

READ MORE: UN Chief Calls for Ceasefire in Libya, End of Offensive on Tripoli

More than 430 people have been killed and more than 2,000 have been injured since the beginning of the offensive on Tripoli, according to the World Health Organisation.

Since the overthrow and killing of Libya's long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 the coutry has been divided into two parts, the internationally recognised and GNA headed by Fayez Sarraj in Tripoli and a parallel administration allied to Haftar in the east of the country.

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