The Libyan National Army (LNA)’s military prosecutor issued on Tuesday an arrest warrant for 33 officers and noncommissioned officers for fighting against the army in the suburbs of Tripoli.
The arrest warrants included several military leaders allied with the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, namely Lieutenant General Ali Kana, commander of Sabha Military Region; Najmi al-Nakua, previous commander of the Presidential Guard; GNA’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Sharif, Assistant Chief of Staff for training Salim Juha, and the military spokesperson Colonel Mohammed Qanounou.
The LNA prosecutor said the arrest warrant came in response to the “crimes committed by terrorist groups and illegal organizations inside Libya,” accusing the Presidency Council and the GNA of providing political cover and financial support for these groups.
Last week, the Tripoli-based military prosecutor-general, affiliated to the GNA, also issued an arrest warrant for the LNA Commander Khalifa Haftar and six LNA leaders for allegedly ordering deadly air strikes against civilian areas.
The exchange of arrest warrants between both sides comes as fighting intensified in southwest Tripoli with heavy shelling and mortar fire.
On April 4, Benghazi-based LNA announced the launch of an offensive against Tripoli. So, all military units loyal to the GNA geared up to defend the capital. The warring factions are currently involved in battles along the outskirts of Tripoli.
The fighting has killed and wounded hundreds, including civilians, since the start of the campaign.
