(Photo: CGTN)

TRIPOLI, April 19 (Xinhua) -- A total of 213 people have been killed and 1,009 others injured in the fighting between the UN-backed Libyan government and the east-based army in and around the capital Tripoli so far, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday.

"Tripoli toll is now 213 dead and 1,009 wounded. WHO medical teams continue assisting surgical staff at local hospitals," WHO tweeted earlier Friday.

"Two more ambulances have been damaged. WHO calls on all parties in Libya to protect civilians, health workers and health facilities," WHO demanded.

The east-based army, led by Khalifa Haftar, has been leading a military campaign since early April to take over Tripoli where the UN-backed government is based.

Libya has been struggling to make a democratic transition amid insecurity and chaos ever since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011.