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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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US Senators Introduce Legislation to Repeal Syria's Caesar Act

Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani (2nd L) looks on as US special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack raises the flag of the United States at the US ambassador's residence in Damascus, Syria, May 29, 2025. (AFP)
Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani (2nd L) looks on as US special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack raises the flag of the United States at the US ambassador's residence in Damascus, Syria, May 29, 2025. (AFP)
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US Senators Introduce Legislation to Repeal Syria's Caesar Act

Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani (2nd L) looks on as US special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack raises the flag of the United States at the US ambassador's residence in Damascus, Syria, May 29, 2025. (AFP)
Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani (2nd L) looks on as US special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack raises the flag of the United States at the US ambassador's residence in Damascus, Syria, May 29, 2025. (AFP)

US Senators Democrat Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Rand Paul introduced on Thursday a bill repealing the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019.

“The legislation reflects a growing recognition that while the Caesar Act achieved its goal of isolating the Assad regime, it now risks obstructing Syria’s path toward stability, democracy and reconstruction,” they said in a joint statement.

“Repealing the Caesar Act would end broad-based economic sanctions while preserving US tools to hold Syrian officials accountable,” it added.

The act was named after a defector from the Syrian army, who smuggled thousands of photos that document the torture and violations committed in Syrian prisons. It was designed to hold the Assad regime and its backers to account for their war crimes and human rights violations.

“The Syrian people have a generational opportunity to write a new chapter for their country and the entire Middle East,” said Shaheen. “For too long, the brutal Assad dictatorship, propped up by our adversaries Iran and Russia, has ruled with an iron fist. And for too long, the Syrian people have endured a devastating civil war to rid themselves of this oppression.”

“We can keep the new Syrian authorities accountable without decimating the economy. Sustained diplomatic engagement can yield tremendous results,” she stressed.

“I look forward to working with Special Envoy Thomas Barrack to support the Syrian people’s aspirations for democracy, stability and security,” she added.

For his part, Paul said: “For years, I’ve opposed broad sanctions that hurt innocent people more than the regimes they target. While the Caesar Act was intended to isolate the Assad regime, it has ended up punishing everyday Syrians, fueling poverty, crippling recovery, and blocking progress toward peace.”

Senator Rand Paul pauses to speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (AP)

“This repeal is about restoring a more targeted, principled approach that holds bad actors accountable without inflicting unnecessary suffering on the very people we claim to support,” he stated.

Matthew Levitt, Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute, said it was logical to end the Caesar Act after the reasons for its adoption are no more.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that it was enacted to tackle the grave human rights violations committed in the Assad regime’s prisons. With the ouster of the regime, there is no need to keep it in place.

Pressure

Meanwhile, Dr. Murhaf Ibrahim, head of the Alawite Association of the United States, said it was important to bolster Syrian-American ties on all levels, to lift sanctions and for the United States to display political and economic openness towards Syria.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said that in order to boost these ties, they must align with American values related to diversity, democracy, decentralization in state management and respect of human rights.

So far, the government of Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has not committed to these principles, he stressed.

He called on the US Congress to hold the government to account over its pledges to address violations and hold their perpetrators responsible.

It must also review the political and constitutional measures it has taken so far and that have sparked criticism because they do not represent the entire Syrian population, he went on to say.

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen speaks during a press conference with fellow Democratic senators calling on the Trump administration to continue Medicare drug price negotiations on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, January 22, 2025. (Reuters)

Syrian-American lobby

Ahed al-Hendi, Senior Fellow at the Center for Peace Communications in Washington, underlined the importance of the legislation because it was issued by the Senate, which first enacted the Ceasar Act, not the president.

Action by the Congress demonstrates the existence of Syrian-American lobby that did not make do with pledges made by the American administration, he said. Rather, it is working hard to secure bipartisan support to turn President Donald Trump’s words in Riyadh into political and legislative action in Washington.

Even though the administration has still not shaped a clear policy on Syria, the removal of the Caesar Act will help open a new chapter in relations and deliver a clear message that the lifting of sanctions is a necessary step in Syria’s reconstruction, he added.

It will also underscore government efforts to consolidate civil peace, respect minorities and avert regional escalation, he said.

Syrian activist Ayman Abdelnour said the removal of the Caesar Act will no doubt revive Syria and push forward reconstruction efforts.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that lifting the sanctions will allow the American administration to assess the performance of the new Syrian government on the political, economic and social levels.