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Libyan National Army Warns of Possible Attack on its Sirte Positions

Government of National Accord forces during a clash with the Libyan National Army in Tripoli, Libya. File photo: Reuters
Government of National Accord forces during a clash with the Libyan National Army in Tripoli, Libya. File photo: Reuters
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Libyan National Army Warns of Possible Attack on its Sirte Positions

Government of National Accord forces during a clash with the Libyan National Army in Tripoli, Libya. File photo: Reuters
Government of National Accord forces during a clash with the Libyan National Army in Tripoli, Libya. File photo: Reuters

The Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, has warned militias loyal to Fayez al-Sarraj’s Government of National Accord (GNA) against attacking its positions in Sirte and al-Jufra regions.

LNA spokesman Major General Ahmed al-Mismari issued a statement pointing out that the army received confirmed intel regarding criminal and terrorist militias planning an aggression against its forces, which is expected to precede an attack on the Sirte-al-Jafra front and army positions.

He also explained that militias are mobilizing their forces and carrying out advanced reconnaissance missions, stressing that the LNA forces are committed to the ceasefire to ensure the success of the political process.

LNA forces are ready to respond to any attack and calls on the other party to put an end to its provocations alleged violations of the ceasefire, said Mismari.

The spokesman praised any possible rapprochement between all Libyans aiming to end the crisis, announcing that the army is putting the capabilities of its General Command at the disposal of the Libyan people to ensure the success of the political process.

The LNA accused pro-GNA media outlets of spreading rumors that foreign mercenaries took control of public institutions and schools in Houn city.

The 128th Brigade stationed in Houn conducts several patrols to protect the facilities and ensure the security of public and private properties and the safety of citizens, said Mismari, denying the presence of foreign mercenaries among army ranks.

The LNA sources and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that Turkey is sending "mercenaries" to Libya to support GNA forces.

On Friday, GNA army spokesman Colonel Mohammad Qanunu confirmed willingness to respond to any violation that threatens the unity of the state.

Earlier this week, a field commander in GNA's Sirte and Jufra Operations Room, Akram al-Dernawi, stressed his forces were ready to confront any aggression, noting that they are in direct contact with the Operations Command to implement the orders.

The threats are the latest issued by GNA forces to LNA, and precede the UN sponsored talks, referred to as the "5 + 5" Libyan Joint Military Commission, which are set to resume.

The GNA accuses the LNA of violating the ceasefire in Sirte, despite its denial.

Military sources on both sides denied earlier reports about re-opening the closed road between the East and the West, including removing the roadblocks between Sirte and Misrata.

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Arab World

In ‘Solidarity’ Visit to Beirut, French FM Vows to Pursue Lebanon Truce Efforts

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot during his visit to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (AP)
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot during his visit to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (AP)
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In ‘Solidarity’ Visit to Beirut, French FM Vows to Pursue Lebanon Truce Efforts

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot during his visit to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (AP)
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot during his visit to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (AP)

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Friday expressed solidarity with Lebanon and pledged to press ahead with diplomatic efforts to halt escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah.

Barrot’s visit came as Lebanon faces mounting security and humanitarian problems resulting from ongoing hostilities.

Lebanese officials said the French minister stressed Paris’s determination to find “common ground” to launch serious negotiations, reaffirming full support for an initiative by President Joseph Aoun to open direct talks with Israel.

France “will continue its efforts despite the difficulties,” Barrot told Lebanese leaders, according to official sources.

He added that he had spoken ahead of his trip with his US counterpart as well as Israel’s Ron Dermer, who has been tasked with representing his government in any negotiations with Lebanon.

Barrot also underscored the “vital role” of UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, stressing that France intends to maintain its presence even after the current mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expires at the end of the year.

In a statement, Lebanon’s presidency said Barrot briefed Aoun on ongoing diplomatic contacts aimed at halting Israeli strikes.

The French minister voiced readiness to work towards ending the escalation through proposals under discussion with relevant parties, describing Aoun’s initiative as “courageous” and backed by the international community.

He also highlighted the central role of the Lebanese army in any future settlement, including in the event of a UNIFIL withdrawal, and discussed coordination with neighboring Syria following a recent call involving Aoun, French President Emmanuel Macron and Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Aoun, for his part, reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire and guarantees to ensure its durability, warning that continued escalation was blocking the launch of negotiations.

He said a halt to hostilities was essential to create the conditions for talks, pointing to widespread destruction in southern Lebanon, hundreds of casualties and more than one million displaced.

“Once the fire stops, negotiations can take place anywhere,” Aoun said, according to the statement, stressing that de-escalation remains the priority.

He also reaffirmed Lebanon’s desire for international forces to remain in the south to oversee any future agreement, or for European contingents to continue peacekeeping duties under any framework.

On the domestic front, Aoun said the government remains committed to enforcing the state’s monopoly on arms, including plans to disarm Hezbollah, though implementation has been hindered by the ongoing conflict.

He added that key infrastructure — including Beirut’s airport, seaport and border crossings — remains under state control, with the army conducting patrols nationwide to curb armed activity. Decisions on war and peace, he stressed, rest solely with the state.

Lebanese divisions, US role

Barrot also met Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who reiterated his refusal to name a Shiite representative to a negotiating delegation before “an end to Israeli aggression and the return of displaced persons.”

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, for his part, told CNN Lebanon was ready to “immediately” enter direct negotiations with Israel.

“This war was imposed on us,” Salam said, noting that around 20 percent of the population has been displaced.

He described the United States as a strategic partner and said Donald Trump was “the most capable of playing a decisive role in ending the war.”

EU warns of ‘catastrophic’ situation

The European Union meanwhile voiced “grave concern” over the Israeli offensive in Lebanon, warning of severe humanitarian consequences and the risk of a prolonged conflict.

In a statement, the EU called on Israel to halt its operations, saying the humanitarian situation in Lebanon was already “catastrophic.”

It also criticized Hezbollah for drawing Lebanon into the conflict, refusing to disarm and continuing attacks on Israel.

Attacks on civilians, infrastructure, healthcare workers and UN peacekeepers are “unjustifiable and unacceptable and must stop immediately,” the statement said.

Arab World

Talks in Baghdad Aim to Halt Attacks on US Embassy

The US Embassy compound in Iraq inside the Green Zone in Baghdad (AFP) 
The US Embassy compound in Iraq inside the Green Zone in Baghdad (AFP) 
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Talks in Baghdad Aim to Halt Attacks on US Embassy

The US Embassy compound in Iraq inside the Green Zone in Baghdad (AFP) 
The US Embassy compound in Iraq inside the Green Zone in Baghdad (AFP) 

A series of meetings held over the past two days inside Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone have produced a preliminary framework aimed at halting attacks on the US Embassy, according to an informed Iraqi source.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, the source said the discussions brought together representatives of armed factions and a senior Iraqi political figure, resulting in a proposed agreement that has been conveyed to the United States. The proposal includes conditions set by Kataib Hezbollah.

The meetings were intended to “test the positions of both sides” as a step toward broader implementation if the arrangement proves successful in Baghdad, the source added. However, the outcome will depend on the nature of the US response.

Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a newly appointed security official for Kataib Hezbollah, announced a five-day suspension of attacks on the US Embassy, conditional on several demands. These include an end to Israeli strikes and displacement in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Additional conditions call for a US commitment not to target residential areas in Baghdad and other provinces, as well as the withdrawal of CIA personnel from the vicinity of the embassy.

The group warned that failure to meet these conditions would prompt a “direct and concentrated” response, with an escalation in attacks after the deadline. It also urged Iraqi authorities to protect diplomatic missions and economic entities of countries not involved in the conflict, excluding what it described as Israeli entities and US occupation forces.

The United States announced it is carrying out strikes against Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated during a Pentagon briefing that US AH-64 Apache helicopters are being used in these operations.

Western sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Washington is not engaged with such proposals and is likely to continue its current approach of responding to attacks targeting diplomatic facilities and US interests in Iraq.

Recent strikes, believed to have been conducted by the United States, targeted locations used by militia leaders for meetings. Kataib Hezbollah acknowledged in statements that several of its security leaders were killed in those attacks.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iraqi authorities to prevent attacks on diplomatic missions amid rising regional tensions.

Speaking on the sidelines of a European summit in Brussels, Macron said France has been present in Iraq since 2015 to combat ISIS and support the country’s sovereignty. He confirmed recent contacts with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, reaffirming France’s support for Iraq’s territorial integrity.

Macron called on Iraq to act decisively against groups targeting French nationals and facilities, warning that such actions undermine the country’s security and stability.

Baghdad Security Measures

Iraq’s Interior Ministry denied reports circulating on social media claiming that US forces had raided a unit of the Rapid Response Division at Baghdad International Airport.

Spokesperson Colonel Abbas al-Bahadli described the reports as “entirely false” and urged reliance on official sources, warning against the spread of misinformation.

Baghdad Operations Command confirmed that extensive security measures have been implemented across the capital. Lieutenant General Walid al-Tamimi said efforts include securing areas that could be used to launch indirect fire, assuring diplomatic missions that “the situation in Baghdad is stable and secure.”

 

 

Arab World

Israel Says it Struck Syrian Military Post after Attacks on Druze

Demonstrators carry a Syrian flag during a rally commemorating the15th anniversary of the Syrian uprising against the Bashar Assad regime in Daraa, southern Syria, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)
Demonstrators carry a Syrian flag during a rally commemorating the15th anniversary of the Syrian uprising against the Bashar Assad regime in Daraa, southern Syria, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)
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Israel Says it Struck Syrian Military Post after Attacks on Druze

Demonstrators carry a Syrian flag during a rally commemorating the15th anniversary of the Syrian uprising against the Bashar Assad regime in Daraa, southern Syria, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)
Demonstrators carry a Syrian flag during a rally commemorating the15th anniversary of the Syrian uprising against the Bashar Assad regime in Daraa, southern Syria, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)

Israel’s military said Friday it struck sites in Syria in response to attacks against the Druze.

The army said it struck infrastructure belonging to Syria in response to attacks on the Druze population in Sweida in southern Syria.

The Israeli military said it targeted a ⁠command center and weapons in military compounds, and said it will not tolerate harm toward the Druze population, adding ⁠it ⁠will continue to operate to defend them and monitor developments in the region.