Tensions Rise in Libya as Military Alert is Raised
The armed forces of the United Nations-recognized Tripoli government have heightened their alert levels in southwestern Libya amid fears of a potential attack by forces led by retired Major General Khalifa Haftar. Reports from Libya Al-Ahrar indicate that Deputy Chief of Staff Salah al-Din al-Namroush has instructed army units to prepare for any possible incursions. The situation escalates as Haftar's forces reportedly move towards the southwestern borders, an area currently controlled by the Tripoli authorities.
Haftar's Forces Announce Military Operations
On Tuesday, the forces led by Saddam Haftar, the son of the retired general, declared a “military operation” aimed at securing Libya’s southern borders and enhancing national security. They plan to deploy patrols to monitor the border strip with neighboring countries, including Tunisia and Algeria. This announcement comes at a time of increasing military tension in the region, with Haftar's forces asserting their presence in southwestern Libya.
Oil Production Impacted by Civil Unrest
In a related development, the Libyan National Oil Corporation has declared a “state of force majeure” at the Sharara oil field, the country’s largest oil-producing site, following its closure by protesters. The protests, led by the civil “Fezzan Movement,” demand greater rights for citizens in southern Libya. The Sharara oil field's closure underscores the ongoing instability in Libya, which has been plagued by divisions since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, leading to two rival governments vying for control.
- The situation in Libya remains precarious, with ongoing tensions between the two rival governments. The Tripoli government, recognized by the United Nations, faces continuous threats from Haftar's forces, which have previously attempted to seize control of the capital. The declaration of a military operation by Haftar's forces raises concerns about a possible escalation in violence, particularly in the context of the ongoing instability in the region. Furthermore, the declaration of force majeure at the Sharara oil field highlights the economic implications of the unrest. Oil production is critical to Libya's economy, and any disruption can have significant repercussions on both local and international markets. The protests by the Fezzan Movement reflect broader social and economic grievances among the population in southern Libya, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
