Libya's Tripoli-based government said on Thursday its forces would keep fighting after a unilateral ceasefire declaration by its eastern-based opponents in its civil war.

The Government of National Accord (GNA), said in a statement it did not trust the Libyan National Army (LNA) lead by Khalifa Haftar after previous failed ceasefires and his declaration on Monday that his army was seizing political power.

Libya has been split since 2014 between rival administrations in Tripoli and Benghazi, cleaving the country's main political and government institutions.

"We confirm our fixed position that we will continue with our legitimate self defence and strike the source of threat wherever it is," the statement said.

LNA spokesman said late on Wednesday that his forces was adopting a ceasefire for Islam's fasting month of Ramadan in response to requests by the international community and "friendly countries".

*This story was edited by Ahram Online