Troops loyal to Libya’s globally-recognized government have taken control of the strategic western town of Kekla after over 40 days of clashes with militias there.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thani’s government said on Monday that the attack put Kekla under the "command of the army."

The offensive to retake the key town of Kekla was launched in October by the pro-government forces, backed by parts of the army and air force loyal to Thani.

Jadallah al-Abidi, head of the administration in the capital, Tripoli, accepted losing Kekla but assured that it did not mean the “collapse” of his forces in the west.

The Libyan government and elected parliament moved to the eastern city of Tobruk after an armed group from the town of Misrata seized the capital and most state institutions in August.

The new Tripoli rulers have set up a rival parliament, which is not recognized by the government and the global community.

Libya plunged into chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. The ouster of Gaddafi gave rise to a patchwork of heavily-armed militias and deep political divisions.

The country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups that refuse to lay down arms. The groups are now turning their guns on each other in an attempt to dominate politics and the country’s vast oil resources.