Click to see full-size image
At midnight on December 25th, the deadline the Libyan National Army (LNA) gave to the Government of National Accord (GNA) to withdraw its forces from Tripoli and Sirte expire. The GNA undertook no withdrawal, and the LNA’s offensive on the besieged Tripoli began anew.
We gave #peace a chance.
we gave time to #reconsider their #mistakes.
Let history write that we were #merciful.
Now no one can blame the National Army of Libya from bringing order back to its land.
By order of the commander in chief #HoR.
We take back #Libya.
Viva #LNA. ?? pic.twitter.com/laMGfmwjf5— M.LNA (@LNA2019M) December 25, 2019
The map shows the situation in Tripoli before the expiration of the deadline. Click to see full-size image.
Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the LNA, had a meeting with Generals from the LNA to coordinate the renewed advance.
Field Marshal Khalifa #Haftar meets General Al-Mabrouk al-#Ghazwi, General Ahmed Salem, Field Commander General Saleh #Ebouda, and the Commander of #Ajdabiya Operations Room General Fawzi al-Mansouri to follow up the progress of operations in the capital #Tripoli. #Libya pic.twitter.com/b5figvnZAW
— M.LNA (@LNA2019M) December 25, 2019
LNA-linked sources then reported that al-Qaeda linked terrorists were appearing in Misrata, where the main forces supporting the GNA are located.
the long awaited appearance of wanted #AlQaida terrorists on a Facebook live feed in #Misrata Abdul Aziz Othman Zatout born 1995 from Darna Last seen fighting in #Darna along side #ISIS then AlQaida . And now fighting for the #GNA in #Misrata #Libya. pic.twitter.com/4Gg08Jzcps
— M.LNA (@LNA2019M) December 26, 2019
Meanwhile, on December 25th, in Niger, two Turkish citizens were arrested for allegedly providing assistance to ISIS for the December 12th attack that left 72 Nigerian soldiers dead.
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
This provides some context to the LNA claims that Turkey’s deployed terrorists from Syria and African states to Libya to support the GNA, before being able to deploy its own troops. Furthermore, it is no secret that most of pro-GNA forces are radicals and al-Qaeda-like groups of various kinds.
Making gains in Tripoli, the LNA published videos of capturing Salah AlDin.
#LNA’s 50th squadron of the 166th brigade special forces. Made up from all #libyan cities Commanded by captain Ramadan Aldrsee ,Lieutenant Hatem Alfrany.
In Salah AlDin.
In high spirits, clearing the streets and showing how the #GNA militias have robbed the houses of the people. pic.twitter.com/EsL05qaJh5— M.LNA (@LNA2019M) December 26, 2019
The LNA has reportedly taken control of 90% of the country, and gaining control of the last strongholds of Tripoli, Sirte and Misrata appears to be just a matter of time. There is heavy propaganda from both sides, and if what the LNA says is to be believed, then Tripoli could potentially be captured soon.
At the same time, reports by the GNA of gains and accusations that LNA is targeting civilians also continue.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan going around on a propaganda tour, in an attempt to gather more support for the GNA and justify Turkey’s highly likely deployment to Libya.
On December 25th, he visited Tunisia and made some astounding claims.
“We take steps with the internationally recognized Sarraj administration,” Erdogan said referring to the GNA. “Let us not allow other actors to oppress our brothers and sisters in Libya.”
“Under what name did the so-called Wagners, which include 5,000 actors from Sudan and 2,000 from Russia, come to Libya? What are they doing there?” the President said.
Foreign Minister Mevlüt Cavusoglu, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, the head of the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Hakan Fidan, Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun and Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalın are accompanying Erdogan in his trip.
Turkey’s support may be too little too late, if the LNA’s offensive is going as well as advertised. By the time Turkish parliament approves the draft bill to send troops in support of the LNA, the GNA’s forces may be overwhelmed.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
huh, let them Turkeys roll to!
Note that Erdogan went to Tunis first. The evacuation point for Africa Korps. Let it roll. :D
Lol .
Erdogan wants to use Tunisia to airland Turkish forces to invade Libya from the west – dreaming of a thunder run(combined arms battlegroup) from the border down the highway to Tripoli – weak, feeble, bankrupt, pro MB Tunisians can be bought off – meantime Turkey continues to pour in both Turkish regular “advizers” and proxy jihadis ex-N Syria thru Misrata and Ma’itiqa Air Base Tripoli. LNA is attacking well prepared defenses at their strongest points forward of the 2nd Ring Road – LNA needs to get serious and attack the flanks, cut the land routes to/from Misrata, concentrate and mass sufficent force to move north thru Tajoura. So far the enemy has had it easy, small (2-3 ACV, formed groups less than 50 at a time,battles never seem to be conclusive and contact lines have barely moved in south Tripoli in six months !