The Libyan National Army succeeded in seizing complete control of the El Sharara oilfield and surrounding areas, said one of its field commanders.
Abdulsalam al-Hassi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the army captured the field, which includes more than a hundred wells, as well its various administrative facilities.
“No other forces besides the LNA are on the ground,” he stressed.
Moreover, he revealed that the declaration of the liberation of the South will be announced within days.
Defying the Government of National Accord (GNA), he said that the LNA has been embraced by the people as it seeks to restore stability in the area.
Meanwhile, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) denied that it had received a request from Fayez al-Sarraj’s GNA to intervene to counter the LNA operations in the South.
AFRICOM spokeswoman Becky Farmer told Asharq Al-Awsat that the force remains committed to presenting military support for diplomatic efforts.
The US is still committed to supporting the GNA, she added.
In al-Rajma on the outskirts of Benghazi, LNA commander Khalifa Haftar held talks Tuesday with a British delegation headed by London’s Ambassador to Libya Frank Baker.
Media reports said that the delegation expressed its support to the LNA’s operation to restore stability and security in the South.
Baker denied to Haftar that London had incited the UN Security Council against LNA, stressing instead that the military was combating terrorism and organized crime in the area.
Separately, an Italian intelligence agency delegation arrived in Libya on a surprise visit. It held talks on Tuesday with speaker of the parliament in the East, Aguila Saleh, after meeting with Sarraj on Monday.
