Libya's Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj announced the launching of a military operation code-named Asifat Al-Wattan (The Nation's Storm), aiming to eliminate ISIS remaining militiamen near the city of Misurata, Libya's third largest city.
The official announcement was delivered by Presidential Council Spokesman Mohammed El Sallak who pointed out that the military operation began with instructions from Sarraj, targeting all terror pockets and hoping to prosecute ISIS remnants under the ultimate goal of maintaining national and citizen security.
Sallak said in a presser: “The operation covers the area from a 60km checkpoint in eastern Misrata passing through Bani Walid suburbs, Tarhouna, Misallata, Al-Khumus and Zlitin. It will be commanded by Anti-Terror Force and will aim to end ISIS militants' presence.”
Regarding the siege on Derna by Libyan National Army Commander Marshal Khalifa Haftar's forces, Sallak said the PC always looks for peaceful options and hates resorting to military escalation, which harms civilians and the city's infrastructure.
“We always urge for wisdom in resolving Derna crisis. We support peace and reject the presence of terrorism and extremism across Libya,” he explained.
He said Sarraj welcomes any efforts that aim to build bridges among Libyans, hailing recently achieved reconciliation between Misrata and Zintan. He also urged for comprehensive national reconciliation in Libya, alluding to the need to solve Tawergha-Misrata entanglement.
ISIS militants dispersed across valleys and desert areas surrounding Sirte in which they were defeated in 2016. They are still, according to local sources, posing threats to national security as they conduct attacks in the country every now and then.
The announcement came just hours after air flights resumed at the Misrata International Airport, which was shut down for a few hours following an attack by armed extremist Benghazi militias.
