Tensions Ease on Libya Frontlines during Adha

Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)
Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)
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Tensions Ease on Libya Frontlines during Adha

Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)
Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)

Clashes between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) eased on the fronts of Sirte and al-Jufra during Eid al-Adha as officials issued statements on the occasion.

Speaker Aguila Saleh urged all people to reject discord, overcome differences and uphold the interest of the country to preserve its unity, pride and dignity.

In a statement on the eve of the Eid, Saleh called for unity to confront all the dangers that could threaten the country to achieve security and stability and overcome this difficult stage.

The Speaker hoped that next year, Libyans would achieve a real consensus that leads to the unity of state institutions and the formation of a government which meets their expectations.

Saleh has returned to his residence in al-Qubbah in eastern Libya after a two-day visit to Jordan.

As for the LNA leader, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, he extended his congratulations on the occasion of the Eid, without sending any political messages. However, the GNA affirmed its full confidence in the people's ability to overcome the crises and have a better future.

Head of GNA Fayez al-Sarraj said he received a phone call from Tunisian President Kais Saied on the occasion of the Eid, during which discussed the recent developments in Libya and ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) said that the emergency team of the “Mellitah Oil and Gas” company managed to put out a fire that broke out in the Central Bank in Martyrs’ Square caused by a short circuit.

The Corporation extended its congratulations to the Libyan people, on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, hoping that security will prevail across the country. It wished all Libyans unity, especially in these circumstances and the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Earlier, NOC indicated that the number of mercenaries at Ras Lanuf petrochemical complex has recently increased, warning that their presence constitutes a threat to the safety of workers and industrial facilities within the complex.

“There are also a large number of military personnel in worker housing inside the residential area of Ras Lanuf town, in a flagrant violation of the law’s privacy and security,” said the statement.



Fifty-four Children Swim from Morocco to Spanish Enclave Ceuta

A view shows migrants reaching a police boat, while other group of migrants swim in the background, as at least 54 children and about 30 adults swam from Morocco to Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, in Ceuta, Spain July 25, 2025, in this screengrab obtained from a video. Reuters
A view shows migrants reaching a police boat, while other group of migrants swim in the background, as at least 54 children and about 30 adults swam from Morocco to Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, in Ceuta, Spain July 25, 2025, in this screengrab obtained from a video. Reuters
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Fifty-four Children Swim from Morocco to Spanish Enclave Ceuta

A view shows migrants reaching a police boat, while other group of migrants swim in the background, as at least 54 children and about 30 adults swam from Morocco to Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, in Ceuta, Spain July 25, 2025, in this screengrab obtained from a video. Reuters
A view shows migrants reaching a police boat, while other group of migrants swim in the background, as at least 54 children and about 30 adults swam from Morocco to Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, in Ceuta, Spain July 25, 2025, in this screengrab obtained from a video. Reuters

At least 54 children and about 30 adults swam from Morocco to Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta in rough seas and fog, Spanish television reported on Saturday. Video footage on Spanish television channel RTVE showed Civil Guard launches making repeated rescue attempts to bring some of the swimmers to safety, while others swam across to the enclave.

The children, who were mostly Moroccan, were taken to temporary centres in Ceuta, where authorities called for help from the central government in dealing with the latest arrivals, Reuters reported.

"Don't leave us alone. This is a matter of state. This has to be resolved," Juan Rivas of the Ceuta regional government told reporters on Saturday.

On August 26 last year, hundreds of migrants took advantage of a thick mist to swim to Ceuta from neighboring Morocco, local police said. In 2021, one boy was seen floating on empty plastic bottles in his attempt to reach Ceuta.

Spain's two enclaves on Morocco's Mediterranean coast, Ceuta and Melilla, share the European Union's only land borders with Africa. The enclaves sporadically experience waves of attempted crossings by migrants trying to reach Europe.

Moroccan nationals detained during the crossings are immediately sent back to Morocco unless they are underage or seeking asylum.

People from other nationalities are taken to special centers where they are given shelter and released after a few days.

Three years ago, at least 23 people died in a stampede when about 2,000 migrants tried to storm into Melilla, pushing down the border fence.