Videos circulating on social media show the arrival of tanks and military vehicles from Misrata to the city of Al-Khums. Several tanks were reportedly deployed inside the Naqaza military camp, while other armored units were seen stationed outside the facility.
The military movements have triggered widespread speculation among residents, especially in the absence of any official clarification regarding the purpose of the reinforcements or the entity responsible for their deployment.
The situation unfolds amid heightened security tensions in western Libya, raising concerns about possible confrontations or further destabilization.
Presidential Council Issues Warning Against Unauthorized Movements
On Friday, the Libyan Presidential Council issued a statement warning all armed groups in Tripoli against any military mobilization or movement without explicit and prior instructions from the Council.
The warning followed a controversial deployment by Misrata’s Joint Force, which sent heavily armed convoys toward the capital in protest of the appointment of Atiyah Al-Talib as the new head of the Presidential Guard.
The Council stressed that any unauthorized movement constitutes a breach of military protocol and will subject those involved to legal accountability. It reaffirmed its direct supervision of security and military operations and called on all relevant entities to adhere strictly to official regulations.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
