Libya’s UN-backed government says 21 people have been killed and 27 wounded in fighting near the capital, Tripoli. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for an immediate halt to the fighting and called for talks. Rebel forces under Gen Khalifa Haftar have advanced from the east with the aim of taking Tripoli. Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj has accused …

Migrants have hijacked a merchant vessel that rescued them off Libya’s coast, ordering the crew to head towards Malta, reports say. More than 100 migrants aboard the cargo ship are said to have acted after being told they would be taken back to Libya. Malta’s military said the ship would not be allowed into its waters. Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister …