Libya's LNA Targets 12 Armed Vehicles Attempted to Enter Sirte

On Monday, head of the Mobilization Department at the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khaled al-Mahgoub stated that the LNA forces targeted 12 armed vehicles used by the Government of National Accord (GNA) militias while attempting to enter Sirte city in central Libya.

Mahgoub stated that the LNA is ready to repel any attempts by the militias to enter Sirte describing it as "a red line" as stated by the Egyptian president Abdel Fatah El-Sisi.

In a telephone interview aired on the Sada El-Balad channel, he added that all moves by militants are observed.

The spokesperson of the LNA Ahmed al-Mismary had declared that different types of units were sent to western Sirte.

Al-Mismary previously said that the Libyan National Army government is sticking to the Cairo Declaration, the Berlin Agreement, and international efforts to the ceasefire.

On 20 June, the Egyptian President stressed the need for a comprehensive settlement in Libya, noting that any direct Egyptian intervention would be legitimate and in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

He stated that Cairo would not allow any threat to the security of its western borders.

Turkey supports the GNA, which repelled a 14-month-old attack on the capital, Tripoli, by the Libyan National Army forces led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar backed by Russia, the UAE, and Egypt. 

Ankara’s entry into the Libyan conflict has raised tension with Haftar’s supporters and with France.

On Saturday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said that Cairo had a legitimate right to intervene in Libya and ordered the army to prepare for any mission overseas if necessary.

“Sisi’s statements are baseless,” the Turkish official told Reuters, asking to be anonymous.

He added that the GNA, which is backed by Turkey, continues to prepare to take control of the strategic coastal city of Sirte, which was captured by Haftar forces in January, and the Al Jufra district to the south.

Egypt Launched Cairo Declaration on Libya

Earlier this month, Egypt called for a ceasefire in Libya as part of a new initiative welcomed by the United States, Russia, and the U.A.E, but Turkey rejected it.

On June 6, Sisi received Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh and National Army Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and announced an initiative to end the conflict in the neighboring country.

The Cairo Declaration emphasizes the unity, integrity, and independence of the oil-rich country’s lands, respecting all international efforts, initiatives, and relevant Security Council resolutions, and accordingly, the commitment of all parties to the ceasefire from June 8, 2020.

The initiative is mainly based on the outcomes of the Berlin Summit, which resulted in a comprehensive political solution that includes clear implementation steps (political, security, and economic tracks) and the respect for human rights and international human rights law.