FILE IMAGE: LNA members
The al-Eubur Battalion, one of the forces that fought for the Government of National Accord (GNA) over the last two months, has defected to the Libyan National Army (LNA).
“The battalion, which is stationed in the town of Bani Waled, has joined the ranks of the Libyan Arab armed forces, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar,” the LNA said in a statement released on June 21.
According to the army, the al-Eubur Battalion will work to “guard and secure” the key highway linking the towns of al-Shwayrif and Tarhunah south of the country’s capital, Tripoli.
The al-Eubur Battalion was not the first unit to defect from GNA forces. Earlier this week, the 185th Infantry Battalion, commanded by Colonel Mohammed Miftah al-Ghadawi joined the ranks of the LNA.
These defects will for sure have a negative effect on pro-GNA forces, which are struggling to hold onto their positions in the outskirt of Tripoli as the LNA continues its slow, but steady advance.
