Libya .. Washington disassociates from the Sisi initiative and the reconciliation forces control a major supply line

The United States called for a UN-sponsored ceasefire in Libya, distancing itself from a truce initiative launched by Cairo. This came as field developments continued, as Al-Wefaq government forces controlled a major supply line between southern and western Libya.

David Schenker, US Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs, made the remarks to reporters Thursday, expressing his thanks to Egypt for its constructive initiative.

But he added, "We believe that the (ceasefire) track under the auspices of the United Nations and the Berlin track are really the most effective framework for negotiation and progress towards a ceasefire."

Meanwhile, Schenker considered that the advance of the Al-Wefaq government forces towards the strategic city of Sirte and the eastern areas controlled by Haftar's forces, "could lead to serious humanitarian repercussions."

The US official called on all parties to the Libyan conflict to protect civilians, adding, "We continue to call for reducing escalation, a ceasefire, and a return to political negotiations."

It is noteworthy that Egypt is a main supporter of the retired Libyan brigade, Khalifa Hifter, whose forces have suffered in recent weeks heavy field losses as a result of the progress of the internationally recognized reconciliation government forces, supported by Turkey.

"Losing horse"

On the other hand, Muhammad Ali Abdullah, political advisor to the head of the Al-Wefaq government for American affairs, stressed that a political solution in Libya could not happen without the support of all its neighbors, including Egypt, which he saw as "betting on a losing horse".

Abdullah, during his participation in a video interview with the American "Heritage Institute", said that the Egyptian initiative to resolve the conflict is "just an offer", and that Cairo should take concrete steps to build confidence with Tripoli before it presents itself as a mediator in resolving the crisis.

In his speech, Abdullah held the Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo Hamidati, First Vice-President of the Sovereign Council of Sudan, responsible for sending Sudanese mercenaries to Libya. He called for bypassing Hamidati and dealing with the civil political leadership in Sudan, which he said had a common interest in establishing stability in the region.

Main supply line

On the ground, Operation Conclusion of Anger, affiliated with the Al-Wefaq government, announced that its forces had controlled a 350-km major supply line.

According to the operation, this line was used by Haftar forces for a year as a major supply line to support its attack on the capital, Tripoli, with mercenaries, weapons, ammunition, and fuel.

This line extends from the Arban region, south of Tripoli, to the Shweref area, which links the capital to the city of Sebha in the south of Libya.

In a related development, the Al-Jazeera correspondent quoted a military source in Al-Wefaq forces as saying that these forces have repositioned them along the frontline in the axes of Nahr Road and the sea road west of Sirte.

The source added that the confrontation fronts with the forces of Haftar are witnessing a cautious calm, and that reinforcements for the reconciliation forces have arrived to support the central military region.

Al-Wefaq forces had recently managed to completely control Tripoli, and then after Tarhuna and Bani Walid (180 km southeast of Tripoli), and announced last Saturday the launch of the "Paths of Victory" to control cities and towns in eastern and central Libya, in the forefront of which is the coastal city and Jafra. .

Turkish engineering teams

On the other hand, Al-Jazeera correspondent quoted a source in the Ministry of Interior in the Al-Wefaq government as saying that Turkish engineering teams specializing in mine clearance had reached south of the capital Tripoli, to participate in monitoring and clearing mines that Haftar forces planted in the southern suburbs before their withdrawal.

The source added that the move came according to the security cooperation agreement signed between the Libyan and Turkish sides in November 2019.

The Ministry of Interior in the Al-Wefaq government had issued instructions to prevent the displaced citizens from Salah al-Din and appointed a ministry in southern Tripoli from returning to their homes only after removing mines from those areas.

Mass graves

In the context of developments in the areas lost to Haftar's forces, the United Nations Mission in Libya said it was following with great concern reports it described as horrific about the discovery of at least eight mass graves in the past few days, mostly in the city of Tarhuna, southeast of Tripoli.

In a statement, the mission added that according to international law, the Libyan authorities should conduct a prompt, transparent and effective investigation into reports of extrajudicial killings.

The mission also welcomed the decision of the Minister of Justice in the Al-Wefaq government to form an investigation committee, noting that it had called on members of this committee to start working to protect mass grave sites from tampering.

The mission offered to provide the required support to the committee if necessary, stressing the importance of identifying victims and causes of death, and returning bodies to their families.