Forces aligned with Libya’s internationally recognised government seized two towns west of the capital Tripoli on Monday after heavy clashes and drone strikes, military sources quoted by Reuters and residents said.
Surman and Sabratha’s recapture is very vital for GNA as they have been a major location for Haftar’s operations room to plan an attack on Al-Zawiya and Zuwara cities – an attack that has been under consideration and planning for a year, according to Libya Observer.
Reuters adds that this could also relieve some pressure for the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), which has been struggling with water and power cuts in recent days on top of the loss of revenue from blockaded oil ports in the east.
The Libya Observer quotes the Head of the Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sarraj lashing out at countries conspiring on Libya and supporting Khalifa Haftar’s offensive on Tripoli, saying “their sons who are fighting for Haftar will be returned in coffins along with their ID papers.”
He added that the Libyan Foreign Ministry will coordinate with relevant authorities to implement this procedure, according to a statement on Monday, hailing the victories of Libyan Army forces as part of Operation Peace Storm against Haftar’s forces.
“Your armored vehicles have turned to ashes and the rest are under our control to be put later at the war museum to remind the world of your malicious acts against Libyans. Libyans will hold you accountable for the ammunition and weapons as well as aircraft used to kill our sons.” Al-Sarraj said referring to the countries supporting Haftar.
He said their plot to hinder the success of Operation Peace Storm by attacking Abu Grein on Sunday had failed as GNA forces seized Monday the “abducted cities of Surman and Sabratha”, saying “GNA forces had taught Haftar’s forces a lesson in defending the nation in Abu Grein against the countries that “show loyalty in the morning and plot against us at night”.
“We will continue to fight until we control the entire country to allow all the displaced to return home and we will never forget those who helped or forgive those who stabbed us in the back.” Al-Sarraj remarked.
Libyan Army forces under the command of the Government of National Accord (GNA) have retaken full control of Surman, Sabratha, Al-Ajilat, Al-Jamail, Ragdaline, Al-Essa and Zeltin on the coastline of the western region in a lightning attack against Khalifa Haftar’s forces.
GNA forces launched Monday morning an attack to recapture Surman after late Sunday airstrikes by GNA’s Air Force, which hit positions for Haftar’s forces in Surman and Sabratha, including operations rooms.
Surman took only a few hours to be under the control of GNA forces as Haftar’s forces ran away toward Sabratha, to which GNA immediately headed and after a few more hours, the second city fell to the Libyan Army forces, sources reported.
“All Haftar’s defenses in Sabratha didn’t last more than some two or three hours and then they got defeated. Some 30 fighters of them surrendered as they watched their comrades flee the city.” Sources from Libyan Army forces explained.
“GNA forces can also join Amazigh or Berber fighters in the city of Zuwara and can move on al-Watiya airbase, a strategic airbase and stronghold of Haftar southwest of the capital.”
Earlier on Monday, Colonel Muhammad Qanunu said the GNA’s air defences intercepted planes belonging to Haftar in the Abu Grain area and shot down the two Chinese-made Wing Loong aircraft and one Russian Mi-35 helicopter.
Sources told Al Jazeera the clashes killed nine soldiers from the GNA forces and more than 30 fighters loyal to Haftar, including a number of Sudanese and Chadian fighters.
The sources added GNA forces used drones provided by Turkey to launch raids on Haftar’s forces and the LNA.
“Military commanders say the latest advance by GNA forces can mainly be attributed to Turkish air support. Control of the skies has recently shifted in favour of the GNA thanks to the Turkish air force,” said Abdulwahed.
Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and others have fuelled fighting in the oil-rich but impoverished North African country.
Libya Observer / Reuters / Anadolu / Al Jazeera
