Military movements from the city of Al Zawiya toward Tripoli have heightened tensions in western Libya, following controversial changes in the leadership of the Western Coast military zone. The developments come at a sensitive time, raising concerns about stability in and around the capital.
Armed units were seen advancing toward the Abu Sitta naval base, which hosts the headquarters of the Libyan Presidential Council. The deployment is widely viewed as a protest by military factions opposed to recent decisions affecting the command structure in the region.
According to field sources, commanders from Zawiya are planning a high-level meeting at Abu Sitta to formally reject decisions attributed to the Presidential Council in its role as Supreme Commander of the armed forces. The dispute centers on the appointment of Ali Benini, who comes from a police background, as commander of the Western Coast military zone.
The appointment effectively replaces Major General Salah Al-Namroush, who currently serves as Chief of Staff after the death of former army chief Mohamed Al-Haddad and previously led the same military zone. Critics argue that assigning a police figure to a senior military role undermines the established chain of command and sidelines experienced military leadership.
These developments have raised serious concerns about potential security risks. Observers warn of possible clashes between forces arriving from Al Zawiya and armed groups already positioned in Tripoli. There are also fears of confusion within the command structure, particularly as responsibilities overlap between the General Staff and regional commanders.