The advancement of the Libyan National Army (LNA) toward the western region “aims to unify Libya” and pave the way for building state institutions, said Libyan Interim Government’s Minister of Interior Ibrahim Buchanav.
Bushnav stressed that security forces are responsible for protecting the army during its war against terrorism.
His statement is in line with the LNA’s progress in the west after announcing the southern region free from armed groups, as LNA Commander Khalifa Haftar ordered his forces on Wednesday to advance into western Libya to “combat terrorists.”
The LNA entered Gharyan town Wednesday after clashes with forces loyal to Faiez Sarraj, head of the Government of the National Accord (GNA).
A video released by the LNA media office showed a convoy of armored vehicles and pickup trucks mounted with heavy guns on the road.
“In fulfillment of his (Haftar) orders, several military units moved to the western region to purge the remaining terrorist groups located in their last hideouts,” the LNA said in a statement with the video.
Haftar expedited the movement of the LNA after the United Nations Mission to Libya scheduled the National Forum in Ghadames city for the end of April. The forum is supposed to bring together all Libyan factions to determine a date for elections.
