On Monday, Libyan National Army troops stepped up attacks on militias signaling that the battle for the liberation of Tripoli is entering a decisive phase and the Libyan capital is gradually being freed from outlaw organizations.
This comes as military reinforcements from the western region reached the hub of fighting in the capital and assumed their positions in the struggle in preparation for the second crucial phase.
“The commander of the western military zone, Major General Idris Madi, headed a large force from the city of Zintan to the Tripoli Liberation Operations Room to receive their combat assignment,” spokesman for the Libyan army’s General Command Ahmed al-Mesmari said.
In an earlier statement, al-Mesmari confirmed that the army would intensify its attacks on militia positions in the coming days and would use heavy artillery to advance towards the heart of the capital. The announcement of intensified attacks on militias based in Tripoli followed a joint US-Russia green light.
Observers believe that the military reinforcements who joined the Libyan National Army forces indicate that the confrontations will intensify with attacks on armed militias, expediting the clearance of the Libyan capital from within. Haftar’s forces have tightened their grip on the outskirts of Tripoli, waiting for the decisive moment when troops in the southern suburbs of Tripoli, 11 kilometers from the city center, are ordered to advance.
Sources in Tripoli report that the general command of the Libyan army has received signals from some militia leaders who are prepared to surrender their weapons in return for ensuring their safety and allowing them to leave the country.
Warlords of the UN-backed government of accord in Tripoli face a complete collapse of morale as terrorist organizations and those involved in heinous crimes fear punishment with the restoration of the rule of law.
The urgent need to press forward
According to Libyan observers, a lack of military resolve in Libya would worsen the security and humanitarian situation and provide greater opportunities for radical terrorist elements to arm themselves and prepare for attacks both in Libya and in neighbouring countries, posing a security threat not only to Libya but also the entire region.
The battle to liberate Tripoli from the grip of the outlawed militias, stabilize the country, and move towards a balanced political future away from divisions and disagreements deepened by Islamist groups backed by Turkey and Qatar, has entered a critical phase.
- Libya: Military Prosecutor Issues Arrest Warrant for Military Leaders Involved with Terrorist Groups
- Libyan National Army Press Conference on Developments in the Battle to Liberate Tripoli
- Libya: A Government Dependent on Criminal Militias Faces Defeat
- Libya: Force from Benghazi’s Criminal Investigations Division Moves to Areas Between Ajdabiya and Sirte to Support the LNA
INTERNATIONALIST 360° 