The Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar has consolidated its presence in the capital’s suburbs as fighting with the forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) subsided, military sources said.
The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that LNA upped its military presence outside Tripoli and launched a large scale surveillance operation to thwart a possible terrorist attack in the oil crescent region.
The sources said that the National Army is also gearing up for a military operation to clear the southern city of Murzuq from “terrorist and criminal groups,” mainly those backed by the Chadian opposition.
GNA’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Sayala slammed the LNA for carrying out an “armed aggression” on Tripoli on the excuse of combating terrorism.
He told the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) that his government has practiced its “legitimate right” in defending the capital and its residents.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said this week that he fears Libya will end up in a "full civil war" unless moves are soon made to end the conflict.
In a report, he acknowledged the need for the support of the international community in finding a political solution for the country.
"I urge all parties to stop using explosive weapons, including by aerial bombardment or shelling, in populated areas because of their likely indiscriminate effects," the secretary general wrote.
"I am concerned by the presence of foreign fighters and mercenaries being employed by parties to the conflict in Libya as well as by the influx of weapons to the country," he said.
