Libya: GNA gets hold of Tarhouna, last bastion of Khalifa Haftar in the West

A soldier of the troops of the Government of National Unity in Tripoli, in May 2019 (photo of illustration). Mahmud TURKIA / AFP

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The announcement was made by Mohamad Gunounou, spokesman for the Government of National Unity (GNA), on Friday. His forces entered the city at dawn without fighting. The capture of this city symbolizes a heavy defeat for Marshal Haftar who had been trying to seize Tripoli for more than a year.

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GNA troops made their triumphant entry into the city on the night of Thursday to Friday. They were cheerfully welcomed by part of the inhabitants. Tarhouna, located 80 kilometers south-east of Tripoli, formed the rear base of Khalifa Haftar's forces for the attack on the capital . These forces had started their withdrawal south for two days, and had left several military vehicles and ammunition on the spot.

Tarhouna therefore formed the last bastion of Khalifa Haftar in western Libya, after the withdrawal of strategic cities from the region as well as from the base of al-Watiya , then from Tripoli airport and south of the capital this Thursday .

A turning point in the conflict

The capture of Tarhouna by the GNA thus marks a turning point in the Libyan conflict. This puts an end to the offensive launched by Marshal Haftar on Tripoli, on April 4, 2019.

Symbolically, the capture of the city means a return to square one for the strong man from the east of the country. The Libyan National Army has not yet commented on the latest events, but on Thursday, Ahmad al-Mismari, their spokesperson, announced the withdrawal from Tripoli and a "  redeployment  ". He presented the withdrawal as "  proof of goodwill  " following the announced resumption by the UN of military talks.

The Libyan conflict has known in recent months an increasing involvement of foreign powers. The increased military support of the Turkish ally allowed the GNA to chain successes on the ground and to reverse the balance of power.

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  • Libya
  • Fayez el-Sarraj
  • Khalifa Haftar

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