On Saturday, the Spokesman for the Libyan National Army (LNA), Major General Ahmed Al-Mismari, denied reports of movement by LNA forces towards cities in western Libya, asserting that any talk about this is nothing but “allegations.”
The General Command clarified in a statement today that the allegations made by the Minister of Defence of the Government of National Accord (GNA) “are nothing but baseless allegations.”
“We deny all reports claiming we are planning an attack on any Libyan city,” Al-Mismari confirmed.
The LNA stressed that its forces are committed to the ceasefire declared in Cairo on June 8, and also committed to its positions on the Sirte Al-Jufra line.
The statement explained that such allegations are “an attempt to strike the current peaceful political process supported by the international community … and an excuse for militias to come forward to carry out provocative operations.”
On Friday, the GNA has instructed its forces to brace for a possible attack by the rival army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. Libya’s GNA Defence Minister, Salahaddin Al-Namroush, has ordered troops to prepare for a possible attack by LNA forces.
Al-Namroush said the “offensive” may occur at the Bani Walid, Gharyan and Tarhuna regions, all of which are located on the path toward Tripoli.
In late August, the GNA declared a ceasefire after several months of heavy fighting with the LNA. The Tobruk government accepted the truce.