Libya: new skirmishes between Haftar and el-Sarraj factions

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2 min

In Libya, for more than two months, relative calm has dominated the front lines around Sirte-Aljoufra. The area surrounding Sirte and el-Joufra was defined by Egypt and by Russia, as a red line not to be crossed by the opposing party, the government of national unity (GNA).

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Since June 5, each time the forces of Fayez el-Sarraj, have tried to cross these lines, they have been stopped short in their advance. This was the case, once again on Wednesday August 12, as a column of military vehicles loyal to the GNA was advancing towards Sirte, it was targeted by Khalifa Haftar's fighter planes.

According to a military source from the Libyan National Army (ANL) "  dozens of approaching vehicles were wiped out  " with the mercenaries who were on board. There has been no official reaction from the government of national unity in Tripoli following the strike.

Delivery of weapons and mercenaries

The day before, the ANL targeted a zodiac at sea. According to the spokesman for the Libyan national army, it was carrying 20 mercenaries of different nationalities. It was destroyed after having "  crossed the forbidden military zone  ". 

These two incidents come as the two opposing parties continue to receive arms and mercenaries from Russia and Turkey, which according to international experts “  risks relaunching the war ”.

The tension is mounting a notch around Sirte and the two camps are working to reposition their forces. Khalifa Haftar deployed the Russian S300s. Other Turkish anti-aircraft defense systems have been deployed by Fayez el-Sarraj's forces.

Cairo supports Khalifa Haftar while Tripoli is supported by Turkey.

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• Libya
• Khalifa Haftar
• Egypt
• Turkey
• Fayez el-Sarraj