Political analyst, Kamel Al-Mirash refuted the scenario presented by the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) Interior Minister, Fathi Bashagha over his alleged assassination attempt in Janzur. He stressed that Bashagha had been quick to use the incident locally and internationally to put pressure on the new government to keep him in his post.
In an interview with Al-Ain news website on Monday, Al-Mirash stated that the car that was shot at by Bashagha’s bodyguards belong to the ‘Zawiya Protection Militia’, local elements from the city of Zawiya.
He pointed out that both parties acted with a mentality which he described as a “superiority of militias,” by taking precedence to drive on the road. He stated that the two parties did not recognize each other until they began the shootout.
Al-Mirash explained that Bashagha nevertheless chose to politically exploit the incident for his benefit, by portraying it as an assassination attempt. As well as to protect his militia members who initiated the shooting.
“How can a single car, that has nothing but light weapons and no explosives in it, stand up to a motorcade of 70 military vehicles with anti-aircraft and armoured cars?” he asked.
Al-Mirash said that the incident confirms that Tripoli and the northwestern regions of Libya are still under the control of militias, and that Bashagha, despite being a government minister is still acting with the mentality of a militiaman.