The Libyan National Army (LNA) denied claims that circulated Sunday about the Government of the National Accord (GNA)’s control on al-Watiya airbase, according to Idris Madi, Commander of the Western Region’s LNA Operation Room.
The security situation in Watiya base, controlled by the LNA and located in southern Ajaylat in northwestern Libya, is “normal” and there is no conflict nearby, Madi said.
Libya was home to the largest US airbase (Wheelus Air Base) in North Africa and its Watiya gunnery range as per an agreement signed by Libya and the US to use the airbase and its gunnery for military training.
The rumors exploited the tension in the western region, dominated by the GNA which worries that LNA Commander Khalifa Haftar may advance to their stronghold they after winning victory over armed groups in the south.
