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Libya's U.N.-supported government is asking the Security Council to appoint a "fact-finding mission" to investigate alleged violations by the forces attacking the capital.

Ambassador Elmahdi Elmajerbi said in an April 18 letter to the council president circulated Thursday that the violations include "the killing and displacement of civilian citizens, the destruction of public and private properties, the recruitment of children and involving them in wars and hostilities."

It also cited "targeting the civilian neighborhoods and populated areas and exposing them to heavy artillery and Grad missiles."

Forces loyal to Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter launched an offensive in Tripoli earlier this month, and are battling militias loosely allied with the U.N.-supported government.

The U.N. health agency says the fighting has killed more than 270 people, including civilians, and wounded nearly 1,300.