The head of the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) mobilization department, Khaled Al-Mahjoub, stressed that they were ready to deal with any possible scenarios for the control of the coastal city of Sirte.
He reiterated on Sunday that Turkey mobilized a large number of Syrian fighters in Misrata, reaffirming that Sirte would remain a red line that cannot be violated. Al-Mahjoub claimed that Turkey seeks to control Libya’s natural resources.
On 19 July, Reuters reported that two military columns belonging to the Government of National Accord (GNA) transported a large number of Syrian fighters towards the city of Sirte.
A column of 200 vehicles moved eastwards from Misrata along the Mediterranean coast town of Tawergha, about a third of the way to Sirte, which is the gateway to Libya’s main oil terminals. The GNA is set on recapturing these from the LNA.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to continue military operations until Sirte and Al-Jufra, as well as the Oil Crescent area, were under GNA control.
This comes despite calls by the international community for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of political dialogue.