TRIPOLI, Libya: Libya’s internationally recognized government says its forces are getting ready to retake the capital, after Islamist-allied militias from the western city of Misrata took over Tripoli in August.

Prime Minister Abdullah Al-Thinni’s government said in a Tuesday statement that it gave orders to the government forces to “advance toward Tripoli to liberate it” and to free it from the grip of the militias. It urged youth in different neighborhoods “to join ranks with the forces” to liberate themselves and their city. It also urged its civilian supporters to abstain from revenge attacks, and to hand over any captured militiamen to the army forces.

The Tuesday statement came at a time when fighting has been raging south and west of Tripoli, leaving scores dead.