Libya’s GNA Says Ready to Counter ‘Any Attack’

Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
TT

Libya’s GNA Says Ready to Counter ‘Any Attack’

Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

The forces of Fayez al-Sarraj’s Government of National Accord (GNA) said they were “ready” to counter any attack on Sirte and Jufra.

Meanwhile, Turkish troops appeared in photos published by local Libyan media while searching for mines or ordnance left behind from the war in the vicinity of the GNA-run al-Watiya airbase in southwestern Libya.

Websites specialized in monitoring air traffic and military flights have noticed an increasing activity for Turkish cargo planes landing at the base.

Italy’s Itamilradar website tracked a Turkish warplane landing at the base.

At least 36 such flights have been monitored in the past two weeks.

Separately, the Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, received on Wednesday a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The meeting was held at Haftar’s headquarters in al-Rajma, in the eastern city of Benghazi, his office announced, noting that the two parties discussed means to bolster bilateral cooperation.

It said this comes as part of a series of meetings held in line with international scientific support and cooperation with the LNA forces.

In other news, Spokesman for the GNA’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mohammed al-Qiblawi announced on Tuesday that Libya had refused to take over the chairmanship of the Arab League’s current session.

Libya will be looking forward to exercising its right under better circumstances and reserves its right to the presidency under the procedural rules of the Arab League, he said.



Iraq Urges Trump to Strengthen Security Coordination

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (Government Media)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (Government Media)
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Iraq Urges Trump to Strengthen Security Coordination

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (Government Media)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (Government Media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani congratulated US President Donald Trump on returning to the White House, while the Shiite-led Coordination Framework ignored the occasion.

Instead, Coordination Framework officials focused on calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and domestic issues.

In his message on Tuesday, al-Sudani’s gesture seemed to clear the way for Iraq to move past the arrest warrant issued for Trump in 2021 over the 2020 killings of Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

The Iraqi judiciary stated at the time that the arrest warrant was based on Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code and that investigations into other individuals involved, whether Iraqi or foreign, would continue.

This week, Iraqi activists shared an image of the judicial decision, sparking debate on social media about the fate of the arrest warrant now that Trump has returned to the US presidency.

Some argued that the warrant would remain a point of embarrassment for those who pushed for its issuance.

Nevertheless, Sudani congratulated Trump, expressing Iraq's interest in strengthening ties with the US through the Strategic Framework Agreement, focusing on mutual interests.

He emphasized the importance of promoting regional and global stability, security, and development.

Sudani reiterated Iraq’s commitment to its strategic relationship with the US and expanding cooperation in security, economics, culture, technology, investment, and sustainable development, while respecting sovereignty and avoiding interference in domestic affairs.

President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid also congratulated Trump on his re-election, affirming Iraq’s support for security and stability in the region and the world, and for enhancing bilateral relations to benefit both nations.

In contrast, the Coordination Framework refrained from mentioning Trump in its statement following a meeting held in Baghdad on Monday night into Tuesday, coinciding with the inauguration ceremony in Washington.

Instead, the coalition congratulated the Palestinian people on the Gaza ceasefire and urged the international community to ramp up efforts to rebuild war-torn areas, assist displaced people, and address the destruction of infrastructure, particularly hospitals and schools.

The Coordination Framework also highlighted consensus among the Iraqi parliament’s leadership, calling for support for provincial governors in fulfilling their duties.

While praising the government's successful foreign visits, Coordination Framework officials emphasized the importance of maintaining Iraq’s balanced foreign policy.