(VOVworld) – The United Nations on Wednesday announced that pro-government forces and armed Islamist groups fighting for control of Libya’s second city Benghazi have agreed to a 12-hour humanitarian truce. This was the first ceasefire in Benghazi since the launch of a government-backed offensive to recapture the eastern city from fighters a month ago.

Fighters of Libya’s Fajr Libya (Libyan Dawn) militia rest while holding a position in the Kikla region on November 18, 2014. (Photo: riyadhvision.com)

The UN mission in Libya said that the move was aimed at enabling the evacuation of civilians, the retrieval of bodies, the removal of sewage, and the restocking of food and medical supplies. It urged all parties “to fully abide by their commitments during the truce”. However, there were early signs that the truce was not being fully respected after people heard heavy weapon fire in the city.

Since the 2011 overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, Libya is facing the escalation of violence and a political standstill with two governments and two parliaments. The internationally recognized government has been forced to take refuge in Tobruk city to escape a coalition of groups which control of Tripoli at the end of August.