TRIPOLI, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Libyan military forces of the UN-backed government on Saturday held a military exercise with live ammunition near the northwestern Libyan city of Misurata.

"Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad M'etig attended the tactical training exercise with live ammunition at the military airport of Al-Nmowa in Sdada area, in the presence of the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Abdulrahman Taweel, and a number of military officials," the prime minister's media and communication office said in a statement.

"The exercise, which lasted for more than three hours continuously, aimed to increase the combat capability of the ground forces, in partnership with the Libyan air force," the statement said.

The audience appreciated the exercise, hoping such tactical maneuvers could be continued as they boost the morale of the Libyan troops, the statement added.