EIGHT civilians were killed in an air strike near Tripoli yesterday in an attack claimed by Libya’s Tobruk-based government.

Warplanes belonging to the internationally recognised government attacked Tarhouna, a town near the capital.

The new strike cast doubt over hopes expressed by the United Nations on Sunday that peace talks wouldn’t fall apart.

The talks had been extended for two days yesterday, but prospects for agreement were shaky following the continuing attacks.

Weeks of talks in Morocco had nearly collapsed after forces allied to the Tobruk parliament attacked the capital on Sunday.

“For the moment, no-one is leaving. We have had a difficult moment, I’m sure you are aware,” said UN envoy Bernardino Leon at the time.

Mr Leon admitted that there were factions on both sides pushing for a military solution but insisted most were committed to dialogue.

But yesterday’s attacks left hopes of progress stranded.