A member of the Libyan National Army (LNA) has been killed during clashes with armed groups along the southern border with Chad, military officials confirmed.
Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army, Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, mourned Aseel Ahmed Mohammed Tarshlo, a member of the 604th Infantry Brigade, describing him as having fallen “while performing his national duty with courage and loyalty”.
According to the official statement, the soldier was killed during ongoing operations to pursue terrorist groups operating along Libya’s southern frontier. The clashes form part of a broader military campaign aimed at securing border crossings and dismantling armed networks accused of kidnapping and destabilising the region.
The incident is believed to have occurred during a security operation in southern Libya, in which army units arrested several militants allegedly involved in the abduction of officers and soldiers by armed groups led by Mohammed Wardagu. Authorities say the campaign has intensified in recent weeks in response to growing security threats near the Chad border.
Meanwhile, Libya’s House of Representatives Defence and National Security Committee praised the armed forces for successfully rescuing abducted troops following an attack on the Tumm border crossing on 31 January. Military officials stated that the hostages were safely returned to their units after what they described as a decisive operation.
The southern border region remains a strategic priority for Libyan security forces due to its vast desert terrain and proximity to neighbouring countries. Officials say patrols and targeted operations will continue in order to prevent smuggling, curb militant activity and maintain national security.
The armed forces reiterated their commitment to pursuing armed groups operating along the frontier, vowing that the sacrifice of fallen soldiers would strengthen resolve to protect Libya’s sovereignty.
