On Thursday, a military official of the General Command of the Libyan National Army (LNA) in Sebha, Mohamed Al-Senussi bin Mughayera praised the “courageous and decisive stances shown by LNA forces in establishing security in southern Libya.”
In a statement, the military official also praised the LNA efforts to “preserve the dignity of the Libyan people, and maintain the country’s sovereignty.” He explained that the LNA launched several airstrikes against IS forces across southwestern Libya.
In November 2021, the LNA arrested a terrorist cell in Sebha. Major General Khaled Al-Mahjoub, Director of the Moral Guidance Department of the LNA said that the cell members, included the wanted terrorist, Ali Bakir. They were arrested in a security raid which was described as a “pre-emptive strike” against terrorism.
Al-Mahjoub added that the terrorists were preparing to attack public areas, and were closely related to the mercenary group that was arrested in October 2020. He confirmed that their main goal was to establish a nucleus for the so-called “Caliphate Army” in the South of the country.
The Director stressed that the LNA will continue efforts to uproot terrorism, to preserve the security and stability of the country. He explained that the presence of extremist groups in the south are aimed at undermining the electoral process, which was scheduled to be held on 24 December.
Libya has been in chaos ever since the 2011 overthrow and killing of long-time leader Muammer Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising. It has also become a key route for illegal migration from Africa into Europe, across the Mediterranean sea.