Tripoli, Apr 30 (IANS): Libya's east-based army announced halting of military action in the country during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan.

"On this blessed occasion, in appreciation and in response to the calls from brotherly and friendly countries that demand an end to the fighting during this holy month (of Ramzan), the General Command (of the army) announces cessation of all military operations on its part, and that there will be an immediate and very severe response to breach of the cessation of the military operations by the terrorist militias (UN-backed government's forces)," the army said in a statement on Wednesday.

The UN-backed government has not responded to the statement so far, reports Xinhua news agency.

On April 24, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) had called for a humanitarian truce in Libya during Ramzan.

The eastern-based army has been leading a military campaign in and around the capital Tripoli since April 2019, attempting to take over the city and topple the rival UN-backed government.

Since the the conflict began, the UNSMIL has documented at least 356 civilian deaths and 329 injuries.

It has also forced more than 150,000 to flee their homes.