The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has condemned the escalation of violence in the eastern city of Benghazi, calling on the country's warring parties to make efforts to reach a peace deal as soon as possible. "UNSMIL calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Benghazi and across Libya, and calls on the warring parties to desist from any escalation or counterattack," read the statement issued by the mission on Sunday, adding, "Developments on the ground in Libya over the course of the past year have clearly shown that a military solution is not a viable option." The statement came a day after the Libyan army, headed by General Khalifa Haftar, launched airstrikes against the positions of militant groups in Benghazi's districts of Leithi, Gwarsha and Sabri. The UNSMIL stated that the aerial attacks "clearly" aim to undermine the ongoing UN-sponsored peace talks between Libyan warring factions in the Moroccan city of Skhirat. The mission also hailed Skhirat peace talks as "a historic opportunity" to end the deadly conflict in the North African country, calling for "a political settlement that ensures inclusion, balance and consensus." Libya has two rival camps vying for control of the country, with one controlling Tripoli, and the other in control of the cities of Bayda and Tobruk. The presence of Takfiri ISIL militants has further complicated the situation in the violence-wracked country
