Libya’s UN-backed prime minister has vowed to defend the capital Tripoli as forces loyal to a rival advance from the east.

In a televised address, Mr Fayez al-Serraj accused Gen Khalifa Haftar of launching a coup, saying his troops would be met with force.

The rebels are on the outskirts of the capital and say they have seized Tripoli’s international airport.

Tripoli is the base of the UN-backed, internationally recognised government. Libya has been torn by violence and politically unstable since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011.

In his address on TV, he warned of a war without a winner.

He said, they have extended their hands towards peace but after the aggression that has taken place on the part of forces belonging to Haftar, he will find nothing but strength and firmness.