NEWS OF THE DAY

_1 Libya fighting: The selfstyled Libyan National Army declared “zero hour” Saturday in its offensive to capture the capital, Tripoli, from the U.N.backed government. The LNA, led by commander Khalifa Hifter, called on the people of Tripoli to work with its forces. Meanwhile, the internationallyrecognized government in Tripoli issued a statement saying it had gathered intelligence about possible air strikes by LNA forces against key sites in the capital, including the airport. The Government of National Accord in Tripoli said strikes by Hifter’s allies — including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and France — were likely. Libya sank into chaos after Moammar Khadafy’s 2011 ouster and is now divided between the rival administrations. _2 Egypt flights: British Airways and Lufthansa both said Saturday they are suspending flights to Cairo for unspecified reasons related to safety and security. The British carrier said it is canceling flights to the Egyptian capital for a week. The German airline said normal operations will resume Sunday. British Airways attributed its cancellations to what it called its constant review of security arrangements at all airports, calling them “a precaution to allow for further assessment.” Lufthansa said it is suspending its flights as a precaution, mentioning safety but not security as its concern. _3 Islamic State: Iraq’s military says its troops are partnering with paramilitary forces to clear remnants of the Islamic State group north of Baghdad and surrounding areas. The offensive opened Saturday is the second phase of operation dubbed “Will to Victory.” The military said the new target area is north of Baghdad and in Diyala, Salahuddin and Anbar provinces. The first phase began two weeks ago and targeted the border region with Syria. Although Iraq declared victory against Islamic State in July 2017, the extremists have transformed into an insurgency and continue to carry out deadly attacks in the country. The military said Iraqi troops, Iranbacked Popular Mobilization Forces, the federal police and others are taking part in the operation supported by the Iraqi and the U.Sled international coalition. _4 Gay rights: Police in eastern Poland say they detained people who verbally abused and tried to block participants Saturday in the first LGBT pride parade held in a city that has hosted farright marches. Police in riot gear and border guards escorted about 500 people along the Equality Parade route in the city of Bialystok. Marchers held banners reading “Love is not a Sin” and “Equality of the Sexes.” The event continued as planned after the initial disturbance. _5 Aid initiative: Mexico is sponsoring a treeplanting program in El Salvador that aims to support rural residents and ease economic pressures driving thousands of people to leave for the United States. The program known as “Sowing Life” offers farmers $250 a month to plant fruit or timber trees, and whatever they harvest belongs to them. Mexico donated $31 million to fund the plan in El Salvador, and authorities say it should create 20,000 jobs. A similar initiative is in place for southern Mexico, and the country has said it intends to extend it to Honduras. “Sowing Life” comes amid a wave of people fleeing Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador to escape poverty and violence. Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard announced the program alongside El Salvador’s new president, Nayib Bukele.