Libyan Army Beefs up its Military Presence in Sirte as Haftar Militias Pull Out

Published July 19th, 2020 - 05:49 GMT
In this file photo taken on April 08, 2019, fighters from a Misrata armed group loyal to the internationally recognised Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) prepare their ammunition before heading to the frontline as battles against Forces of Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, in Tripoli The US charged on July 16, 2020, that the EU's Operation Irini to enforce a UN embargo on sending weapons to war-torn Libya lacked seriousness, sharing Turkey's criticism that the effort is biased. Mahmud TURKIA / AFP
In this file photo taken on April 08, 2019, fighters from a Misrata armed group loyal to the internationally recognised Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) prepare their ammunition before heading to the frontline as battles against Forces of Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, in Tripoli The US charged on July 16, 2020, that the EU's Operation Irini to enforce a UN embargo on sending weapons to war-torn Libya lacked seriousness, sharing Turkey's criticism that the effort is biased. Mahmud TURKIA / AFP
Highlights
The government, recognized by the UN as the country’s legitimate authority, recently achieved significant victories, pushing Haftar’s forces out of Tripoli and the strategic city of Tarhuna.

The Libyan army dispatched several military vehicles Saturday to the west of Sirte province.

A large number of military vehicles reached Abugrein as part of Operation Paths to Victory, that was launched to liberate the central city of Sirte and Jufra from warlord Khalifa Haftar’s militias, according to army sources.

Haftar’s illegitimate forces have launched attacks on Tripoli and other parts of northwestern Libya since April 2019, resulting in thousands of deaths, including women and children.

The government, recognized by the UN as the country’s legitimate authority, recently achieved significant victories, pushing Haftar’s forces out of Tripoli and the strategic city of Tarhuna.

The new government was founded in 2015 under a UN-led agreement, but efforts at a long-term political settlement failed because of a military offensive by Haftar, who is backed by France, Russia’s Wagner Group, the UAE and Egypt.

The army, which is deployed to the west of strategically important Sirte and Jufra, emphasizes its determination to get Sirte and Jufra from Haftar’s militias.

This article has been adapted from its original source.     

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