Libya: el-Sarraj calls for dialogue after failing to seize al-Watiya base

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New coup in Libya. While Fayez el-Sararj, Prime Minister in the Government of National Unity (GNA) in Libya launched a new offensive against the al-Watiya air military base today in the hands of Khalifa Haftar, he now calls to resume political talks under the aegis of the UN.

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In a press release this Tuesday, May 5, Fayez el-Sarraj said that he accepted all initiatives calling for a political solution to "  get out of the current crisis and end the divisions  ". Less than a week ago, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNA) refused his opponent Khalifa Haftar's call for a humanitarian truce during this month of Muslim fasting. Today's appeal follows the failure of this new offensive against al-Watiya base by a few hours.

Since the launch of Operation Storm of Peace, this is the third time at least that the GNA forces have attempted, unsuccessfully , to capture this strategic location for the forces of Khalifa Haftar. The Tuesday 5 May offensive had been awaited and prepared for a while. It was preceded by a series of air strikes using drones.

Battle of Tarhouna to come

During the ground combat, several combatants of the GNA died there, while dozens of others were wounded, chased during their withdrawal by the aviation of Khalifa Haftar. The Libyan National Army (ANL), for its part, deplores the deaths of five soldiers, including the base commander, who was targeted by a Turkish drone.

Located in the west of the country a few hundred kilometers from Tripoli, and only 27 kilometers from the Tunisian border, the al-Watiya base has been in possession of Khalifa Haftar since 2014.

It constitutes a permanent threat for the cities of the West passed last April under the control of the GNA, which absolutely seeks to seize this military base before engaging the battle of Tarhouna, another strategic city under the control of Khalifa Haftar located not far from Tripoli. Relatives of the GNA suggest that preparations are being made for this great battle which would take place after Ramadan. Unless this Tuesday May 5 call from Fayez el-Sarraj changes the situation.

► Read also: Marshal Haftar pretends a "mandate of the people" to lead Libya

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• Libya
• Fayez el-Sarraj
• Khalifa Haftar

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