MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Libya's internationally recognized government suspended airstrikes against Islamist militants in response to a request by the United Nations, Libyan air force chief Saqr Geroushi told Sputnik on Thursday.
"We have suspended our airstrikes aimed at the militants for three days following the UN request to do so," Geroushi said.
Libya was plunged into political and social turmoil after long-term leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011. It is currently facing its worst wave of violence, with two rival governments in the country vying for power.
The group controlling the Libyan capital of Tripoli and neighboring western areas is not recognized internationally.
The forces of the government that is internationally recognized are also fighting numerous rebel groups, with Islamic State-affiliated extremists among them.
UN-mediated talks on stabilizing the political situation in Libya are taking place on Thursday in Morocco.
The talks will focus on the formation of a government of national unity and a comprehensive ceasefire, as well as the withdrawal of all armed groups from Libyan towns and cities.