US Africa Command (AFRICOM) commander General Micheal Langley and the US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland reiterated the call for the formation of a unified government in Libya, asserting that the military—east and west—can jointly support relief efforts in flood affected areas.
The US officials met with the chairman of the Presidential Council, Mohammed al-Menfi, and reiterated Washington's support for Libyan flood relief efforts.
"The United States stands with the Libyan people in their calls for national unity in the wake of the tragedy in eastern Libya."
Later, Langley addressed with the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army, Mohammed al-Haddad, the Libyan people's response to the devastation caused by Storm Daniel, and asserted that the strongest defense Libya has is unity.
They discussed how the East and West military can jointly support relief efforts in flood-affected areas and how the United States can help.
Langley said that the efforts towards military reunification, starting with a joint east-west force, are vital to secure the peace and stability that the Libyan people deserve.
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Thursday that more than 43,000 individuals have been displaced due to the recent devastating floods in eastern Libya, namely Derna.
The organization warned that the shortage of water supply is reportedly prompting many displaced residents to leave Derna, which suffered the most extensive damage in the region, and to relocate to other municipalities.
It added that a lack of water supply is reportedly driving many displaced people out of Derna, noting that urgent needs include food, drinking water and mental health and psychosocial support.
Furthermore, senior analyst of the Crisis Group Claudia Gazzini interviewed the former mayor of Derna, Abdelmonem al-Gaithi, sacked after the floods. Gaithi asked the international community to support the creation of a global technical commission of inquiry to determine what happened in the city.
In addition, the spokesman for the Libyan Commander-in-Chief, Major General Ahmed al-Mismari, denied any hostility towards journalists.
Mismari told Asharq Al-Awsat that some journalists are causing chaos during rescue operations, insisting on conducting interviews during rescue operations, which prompted authorities to order them to stay away from the area, given concerns about the spread of diseases.
He denied claims that international rescue teams were banned from entering Derna, highlighting that the army welcomes everyone providing humanitarian and medical aid.
He condemned "the political exploitation" of the Derna disaster.
