On Friday, units of the 128th Brigade of the Libyan National Army (LNA) conducted military patrols along the country’s southwestern border strip. This comes in the implementation of the directives issued by the LNA Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, with the aim to bolster security and stability across the country, and ensure the security of its borders.
The patrol’s route commenced from the Nagaza gate, passing through the city of Gatrun. The patrol advanced towards the Tum border crossing, approximately 80 kilometers from Niger.
The patrol wrapped up its tour at the 128th Brigade base. This is located at the southernmost point at the Ghrandiqa border gate, which lies between Niger and Libya.
The brigade had confirmed earlier that intensive patrols are ongoing at the border areas, “to secure and strike with an iron fist at anyone who seeks to tamper with the security of the homeland and its people.”
The 128th Brigade is entrusted with securing the southwestern border of the country. They are responsible for routine security patrols across the entire border region, ensuring safety and stability, and preventing illegal activities such as smuggling and infiltration.
Libya has been struggling with instability and conflict since the Arab Spring uprising in 2011, which led to the overthrow and death of its long-time leader, Muammar Gaddafi.
The conflict has evolved into a complex multi-sided civil war involving various militias, tribes, and foreign powers, each with its own objectives and alliances. The instability has also created power vacuums in many parts of the country, leading to issues such as human trafficking and smuggling, particularly along Libya’s porous borders.
The southwestern border of Libya is particularly important due to its proximity to Niger, a route often used for illegal migration, smuggling, and infiltration by armed groups. Therefore, the security of this border is a critical issue for the Libyan authorities, and the international community.