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Sarraj Orders Reorganization of Special Deterrence Force Away From Bashagha

The head of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez Al-Sarraj talking to GNA Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha in Tripoli | Getty Images
The head of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez Al-Sarraj talking to GNA Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha in Tripoli | Getty Images
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Sarraj Orders Reorganization of Special Deterrence Force Away From Bashagha

The head of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez Al-Sarraj talking to GNA Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha in Tripoli | Getty Images
The head of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez Al-Sarraj talking to GNA Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha in Tripoli | Getty Images

Conflict within Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) has taken a new course after its head, Fayez Al-Sarraj, ordered the reorganization of the Special Deterrence Force away from the Interior Ministry.

The move removes the Force’s subordination to Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha.

On another note, the head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service (GIS) Abbas Kamel conveyed during a surprise visit to the Libyan city of Benghazi on Saturday a message of support from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to the Libyan people on various military and political levels.

During his visit, Kamel met with the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar and the head of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh.

A number of issues of concern were discussed. This came within the framework of the Egyptian role in support of stabilizing the situation in Libya and preserving its capabilities and gains, a GIS statement said.

In Kamel and Haftar’s meeting, the statement said, emphasis was placed on the Egyptian efforts and moves in support of the outcomes of the 5+5 Military Commission meetings, which resulted in delaying the ceasefire and taking a number of measures that have contributed to stabilizing the military and security situation throughout Libya.

The 5+5 Joint Military Commission, which brings together five military officials from the eastern and western camps in the Libyan conflict, is one of the three tracks of the settlement process that emerged during the Berlin Conference on Libya in mid-January. It was subsequently adopted by the UN Security Council.

Moreover, Kamel met with Saleh along with a number of MPs, where he emphasized that Egypt “supports all tracks of a comprehensive settlement of the Libyan crisis” in coordination with the United Nations (UN) and the international community.

The head of Egypt’s GIS also discussed the latest developments in the political situation, as well as ways to advance and develop Egyptian-Libyan relations at all levels during the coming period, the statement noted.

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Arab World

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.