WASHINGTON stood accused today of violating an international arms sales embargo after the United Nations-backed Libyan government found US-made missiles after retaking control of a major city from rebel forces.

Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA) confirmed on Saturday that Javelin anti-tank missiles had been discovered in boxes marked “armed forces of the United Arab Emirates” (UAE).

The weapons were manufactured by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. 

The discovery was made after GNA forces recaptured the strategic city of Gharyan from the Libya National Army (LNA) of Gen Khalifa Haftar, who has mounted an offensive to seize control of the country.

GNA spokesman Mohammed Qununu said: “The seized weapons and ammunition have been sent to the specialised experts and have been documented.”

The US State Department acknowledged the weapons find and said it was carrying out further investigations

“We are aware of these reports and we are seeking additional information. We expect all recipients of US-origin defence equipment to abide by the end-use obligations,” a statement said.

The UAE is one of the main backers of the LNA, which, under the command of Gen Haftar, is advancing advances towards Tripoli with the aim of overthrowing the UN-backed GNA.

It has bought more than US$27 billion (£21bn) in armaments from the US in 32 separate deals.

If the weapons were provided by the UAE, it could have violated an arms embargo on Libya. UN investigations are also currently under way into the UAE’s alleged role in missile attacks on Tripoli.

Libya descended into a bloody quagmire following the fall of former leader Muammar Gadaffi, who was toppled in 2011 by rebel forces with the help of UN-backed Nato air strikes.

A second civil war erupted in 2014 as former Gadaffi loyalists, Islamist groups and others fought for control of the country. 

Two parallel governments subsequently emerged — the Western-backed GNA based in Tripoli and Gen Haftar’s administration in Tobruk, eastern Libya.

Early this year, Gen Haftar launched his offensive, claiming it was a bid to rid Libya of jihadists and foreign forces. 

His LNA soon took control of vast swathes of the country, including the el-Sharara and el-Feel oil fields, which together produce nearly 400,000 barrels a day.

On Sunday, Gen Haftar ordered his forces to target Turkish ships and companies, prevent flights and arrest Turkish nationals in the country.

He accused Ankara of directly supporting the GNA by supplying it with “soldiers, planes and ships.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed his government’s support for the GNA, saying weapons had been sold under a “military co-operation agreement.”