The Spokesman for the Libyan National Army (LNA), General Ahmed Al-Mismari confirmed that Chadian aircraft have carried out airstrikes on opposition groups in Libya’s south.
He added that the targeted opposition groups are concentrated in the Tibesti region near Aouzo, within Chadian territory.
“Any Chadian military incursion into Libyan territory requires approval from the LNA’s Commander-in-Chief,” he said.
Al-Mismari dismissed videos circulating in recent days claiming Chadian forces were present in Libya, stating that these claims are entirely untrue.
“Libya does not permit the entry of expelled Chadian opposition groups into its territory,” he added.
Al-Mismari expressed hope for an end to conflicts, and emphasized the larger war was against illegal migration. He highlighted the need for calm in Chad and Niger, to avoid further unresolved dilemmas.
“Libya’s forces continue to monitor and track activities along their extensive borders with Niger, to prevent breaches by terrorist organizations,” he concluded.
Notably, the Chadian military has targeted Chadian opposition sites located inside Libyan territory, and successfully destroyed several ammunition and weapons depots.
The strike was launched with the approval of the Libyan government, a source at the Chadian presidency informed Al-Jazeera news.
The Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) also reported that the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of four opposition fighters, and declared the cancellation of the ceasefire declared in April 2021.
In a statement issued, FACT stated, “The ruling military council has declared war on us. Therefore, the Coalition for Change and Concord in Chad (CCOC) announces the end of the unilateral ceasefire declared in April 2021, and assures the military council that its response will be swift and unrestricted.”
This announcement made by the coalition on Friday raises concerns about the possibility of a full-scale return of hostilities between the Chadian government, and the CCOC.
In June, Chadian Minister of Defence, General Daoud Yaya Brahim strongly criticised the rebel groups, accusing them of recruiting minors to carry out attacks from Libya.
“We have seen Chadians enlisted as mercenaries in Libya, a country where I consider that there is no state,” he said, according to the AlWihda Info website.
“We are continuing our combing operations. They have even recruited minors. Most of these fighters are minors recruited to attack Chad again,” Brahim added.