Preparations Underway to Reopen Sirte-Misrata Coastal Road in Libya

A bulldozer pushes earth to during a ceremony to reopen the road between the cities of Misrata and Sirte Sunday, June 20, 2021. (AP)
A bulldozer pushes earth to during a ceremony to reopen the road between the cities of Misrata and Sirte Sunday, June 20, 2021. (AP)
TT

Preparations Underway to Reopen Sirte-Misrata Coastal Road in Libya

A bulldozer pushes earth to during a ceremony to reopen the road between the cities of Misrata and Sirte Sunday, June 20, 2021. (AP)
A bulldozer pushes earth to during a ceremony to reopen the road between the cities of Misrata and Sirte Sunday, June 20, 2021. (AP)

Libyan National Army forces, commanded by Khalifa Haftar, have started setting up security checkpoints along the Sirte-Misrata coastal highway west of Sirte ahead of its official reopening.

The Sirte-Misrata highway connecting Libya’s east and west will be officially reopened according to an agreement set by the 5+5 Joint Military Committee that includes representatives of the east-based LNA and forces loyal to the transitional authority in the Tripoli.

Meanwhile, military officials in the Government of National Unity (GNU) confirmed that the government has withdrawn its forces five kilometers south of the highway.

Commander of the Sirte-Jufra Liberation Operations Room Brigadier General Ibrahim Bayt al-Mal told Andalou Agency on Thursday the move is in line with the agreement reached with the committee.

A spokesman said control of the road and security points was transferred to the GNU’s interior ministry.

However, he claimed the LNA forces were refusing to reopen the parts of the highway under their control.

Head of the GNU Abdulhamid Dbeibeh had recently announced the reopening of the highway.

The road had been closed since Haftar’s offensive against Tripoli and the former Government of National Accord (GNA) in 2019.

Dbeibeh was in London on Friday for talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

They discussed the GNU’s efforts to restore stability in Libya and prepare to hold free and transparent elections in December.

They also stressed the need for the withdrawal of mercenaries from the North African country and the unification of the military.



8 Israeli Soldiers Killed in Southern Gaza

Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS
Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS
TT

8 Israeli Soldiers Killed in Southern Gaza

Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS
Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS

Israel's military said Saturday that eight soldiers were killed in southern Gaza in the deadliest attack on Israeli forces in months.
Only one of the dead troops was identified by the army. No further information was immediately available, according to The AP.
The deaths will likely fuel calls for a cease-fire and heighten Israeli public anger over ultra-Orthodox exemptions from the military.
Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza have killed more than 37,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, who don't give the breakdown of civilians and fighters. The war has also driven about 80% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes, and Israeli restrictions and ongoing fighting have hindered efforts to bring in humanitarian aid, fueling widespread hunger.
Israel launched its campaign after Hamas and other militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7.
Over 100 hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire last year in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Hamas is believed to be holding around 80 hostages and the remains of another 40.