LNA vows to repel potential attacks on Sirte, al-Jufra

Spokesman of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Ahmed al-Mesmari, said today that the LNA would not start any offensives against the militias of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA).

We will only counter any attacks by these militias or the Turkish troops that back them, al-Mesmari said.

He said the LNA had collected information about the concentration GNA militias around the northern city of Sirte and the central city of al-Jufra.

Al-Mesmari revealed that the battles around Sirte and al-Jufra would not be restricted to LNA and GNA troops.

Arab and foreign troops will be part of these battles with the aim of sabotaging the Turkish plan that aims at destabilizing the region, al-Mesmari said.

He noted that the LNA had taken all the necessary measures to protect Libya's oil facilities and prevent the GNA militias and the mercenaries sent to Libya by Turkey from messing up with them.

Egypt declared an initiative for a political settlement for the conflict in Libya on June 6. The Egyptian initiative was warmly welcomed by almost all members of the international community.

Dubbed "Cairo Declaration," the initiative called for reviving political talks between rival parties in Libya.

While the LNA abided by a ceasefire recommended by the declaration, GNA militias continue to build up military power around Sirte and al-Jufra in preparation for a potential attack.