A source from the Misrata Airbase denied that Khalifa Haftar's forces had downed Air Force aircraft at Al-Dafiniya in west of the city, saying the aircraft had experienced a mechanical failure after taking off.

The source added that the pilot was killed in the incident as he tried to land some 20 km away from Misrata.

Volcano of Rage Operation of the Libyan Army of the Presidential Council's government denied the news saying the warplane was shot down by Haftar's forces, saying it fell so far away from Tripoli frontlines.

In the meantime, Libyan Army forces had been on the offensive on different frontlines in southern Tripoli since the early hours of Thursday targeting Haftar's forces in Yarmouk camp, Khalit Al-Furjan, Airport Raod and others.

A source from the operation said their forces had advanced on those frontlines and seized control of Qasir Benghashir bride near the Tripoli International Airport.

"We have suffered a loss of six fighters - including the head of the Zintan Military Council Abdelasalm Abu Sitta, and tens of injuries." The source added.

Thursday's dawn saw some attacks on Haftar's forces by artillery shelling coupled with airstrips to pave the way for the round advance, the source indicated.