Clashes in Libya leave at least 32 dead

At least 32 people have been killed and around 50 wounded in fighting with strongman Khalifa Haftar's troops near Tripoli, the UN-backed government said.

Health minister Ahmid Omar gave the updated death toll in an interview with Libya's Al Ahrar television station late Sunday. Haftar's forces have so far said 14 of their fighters have died.

Heavy clashes have been reported on Sunday near Tripoli between pro-Haftar fighters and troops loyal to the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

The two sides also exchanged air strikes days after Haftar - who backs an administration in eastern Libya opposed to the GNA - launched an offensive Thursday to seize the capital.

The clashes came despite calls by the United Nations and the United States for an urgent ceasefire.

Pro-GNA forces on Sunday announced a counteroffensive named "Volcano of Anger".

Libya has been riven by divisions since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011 that killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with rival administrations and armed groups vying for power and control of the country's oil.