The Libyan National Army (LNA) has “eliminated terrorist footholds” in Sabha, southern Libya, LNA spokesperson Ahmed al-Mismari said Monday.
The armed forces also handed over the city’s government buildings, including the headquarters of the security directorate, to the the interim government, Mismari told Libyan Al-Ain news website.
He emphasized that the armed forces prepare for “uprooting terrorism” in all sites in the southern region, continuing from Sabha into Ubari and Ghat in southwestern Libya.
LNA’s operation began on 14 January, and the army has already killed Al-Qaeda leader in Libya, known as Abu al-Zubair al-Libi, was killed on Sunday during a raid at Hijara, a neighborhood in Sabha. It also gained control on strategic locations in Sabha, including Sabha International Airport and some military camps formerly seized by armed groups.
Meanwhile, claims have recently been made about the formation of military forces supported by head of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Faiez Sarraj and head of the High State Council Khaled al-Mishri.
However, Mismari said such claims are made by “illegitimate parties to underestimate “the victories of the LNA,” emphasizing that the LNA has “parliamentary and popular legitimacy.”
The House of Representatives supports the LNA and its commander, Khalifa Haftar, but the GNA plans another parliamentary election soon.
