The Spokesperson for the Libyan National Army (LNA), General Ahmed Al-Mismari, revealed the latest developments regarding the military operation conducted by the LNA units in southern Libya.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to address security breaches in various areas, including Umm Al-Araneb, which has been completely cleared of “illegal” migrants or non-Libyan citizens. Al-Mismari told Egypt’s Youm7 newspaper about the arrest of a significant number of individuals residing illegally in the south of the country. He also mentioned an agreement with the dignitaries of the Umm Al-Araneb region to voluntarily evacuate all migrants who are present illegally.
Al-Mismari further highlighted the continuous ground and aerial reconnaissance operations conducted by military units under the LNA. He emphasised that the Libyan armed forces have not detected any suspicious movements in the Jebel Kunjah or Jebel Asida areas in southern Libya. He also clarified that the situation thus far remains stable, with LNA units in the south reviewing the files and documents of local residents. Al-Mismari also mentioned the military units affiliated with the LNA conducting raids on locations where terrorist groups are present, resulting in the confiscation of significant quantities of fuel being smuggled to neighbouring countries.
Earlier, 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 Ouzo, 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 are present in Libya, stating that these claims are entirely untrue. “Libya does not permit the entry of expelled Chadian opposition groups into its territory,” the Libyan general added. Al-Mismari expressed hope for an end to conflicts and emphasized the larger war against unwanted 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 organisations,” he concluded. Notably, the Chadian army 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.”
