LNA deters militias attack, kills 15 militants including leader

CAIRO – 7 April 2020: The Libyan National Army (LNA) deterred on Monday an attack launched by the militias of the Government of National Accord (GNA), and Turkey-backed Syrian mercenaries against Ain Zara suburb in Tripoli.

LNA spokesperson Ahmed al-Mesmary stated that three armored vehicles were destroyed, and that 15 "terrorists" were killed, including Abdel Hakim al-Zain, commander of the 42 Thieves militias.

Mesmary added that the destroyed vehicles contain many dead bodies, and that shreds were spread in the battlefield. Also, the LNA forces took over the militias' observatories in the area after its members had fled.

The LNA spokesperson said that the arms and equipment used by the militias and mercenaries have been supplied by Turkey. It is noteworthy that Turkey is allied with the GNA, which is an interim non-elected government recognized by the United Nations and protected by militias.

Since December, Turkey has transported more than 6,000 Syrian mercenaries into Libya to fight in the ranks of Tripoli militias, and deployed a number of officers and Turkish military experts in the country.

That came after Turkey had signed with the GNA two MoUs on cooperation in defense and gas drilling eastern the Mediterranean.

Early in 2020, the LNA restored Sirte from militias, and has been encircling Tripoli and Misrata making gradual advances.

LNA kills 41 Turkey-backed mercenaries amid infiltration attempt

CAIRO - 6 April 2020: Spokesperson of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Ahmed al-Mesmary stated that the Libyan Armed Forces targeted on Sunday 41 mercenaries affiliated with Turkey in Wadi Al Rabie and Al Hadaba districts southern Tripoli as they attempted to infiltrate military sites.