The Libyan National Army (LNA) under the leadership of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar confirmed locking its control over Libya’s southern areas, and broadcast video footage on Wednesday showing military units patrolling Libya’s southwest
Forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Fayez al-Sarraj, accused the LNA of violating the ceasefire in Sirte.
GNA Army Spokesman Colonel Mohammed Knounou said that two violations were documented in the past 72 hours.
According to Knounou, the LNA fired six missiles against GNA positions west of Sirte.
Sarraj, during a meeting with the current High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell, denied the presence of GNA forces in Sirte city, al-Jufrah area and near oil sites.
He warned of provoking GNA forces stationed near those locations, saying that it will undermine achieved agreements.
Despite the rapid developments taking place, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) will resume peace negotiations in the Swiss city of Geneva during the next few days.
President of the House of Representatives in eastern Libya Aguila Saleh Issa announced the formation of a committee to represent the eastern Libya House of Representative at the peace negotiations.
Although the GNA will partake in the dialogue, however, the LNA will not join.
“Libya is indeed at a decisive turning point. Your support – not only in words, but most importantly in action – will help determine whether the country descends into new depths of fragmentation and chaos or progresses towards a more prosperous future,” UNSMIL chief Stephanie Williams told the UN Security Council.
“The Mission continues to receive reports of large-scale presence of foreign mercenaries and operatives, further complicating local dynamics and chances of a future settlement”, she said, adding that reports of imminent offensives – often through social media – “exacerbate the rate of miscalculation”.
