The Libyan National Army (LNA) has launched an extensive and strategic military operation, aimed at securing the southern region bordering Chad.
This operation was launched to clear the area of armed groups, control and secure the borders between the two nations, and combat illegal migration. This was confirmed in a statement by Spokesman, Major General Ahmed Al-Mismari.
The Commander of the land forces operations room, accompanied by the Commander of the southern operations force, Major General Mabrouk Sahban, and the Commander of the reinforced 128th Brigade, Brigadier Hassan Al-Zadma, arrived at the Libyan-Chadian border.
The LNA statement highlighted that the decision for the operation arose due to the “significant political and security tensions experienced in the Sahel and sub-Saharan region in recent months. This has led to instability and the reduced ability of these countries in controlling their terrestrial borders, allowing for the movement of terrorist and criminal groups.”
It added that the LNA, “will not allow their nation to be a launching pad for any groups or armed formations that pose threats to their neighbours or engage in any illegal activities.” It also strongly reaffirmed the principle of “non-interference in the internal affairs of neighbouring and brotherly nations and their political issues.”
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.
