Militias Use Force to Disperse Protesters in Tripoli

Militias loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) have regained control over the protests’ square in Tripoli after dispersing protesters using force, amid threats to launch an offensive against Sirte to "liberate" it from Libya’s National Army (LNA) led by commander Khalifa Haftar.

Footage showed a heavy shooting at the square and nearby streets, after the pro-GNA forces surrounded the protesters.

Head of the GNA Fayez al-Sarraj chaired on Wednesday a security meeting that discussed the security situation in Tripoli, during which he called for a probe into violations committed against the protesters and ordered the release of those not involved in acts of vandalism.

While police have monitored the protests, gunmen on Wednesday attacked a peaceful demonstration by “firing live ammunition indiscriminately,” GNA Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha said.

He promised to “protect unarmed civilians from the brutality of a gang of thugs” and said he was ready to use force to do so.

In a related context, forces loyal to Sarraj accused LNA of launching 12 missiles on Wednesday against their posts in the west of Sirte. GNA military spokesman Mohammed Qanunu considered the act as a violation of the ceasefire in Sirte.

While the spokesman stated that upon the instructions of Sarraj the response will occur in proper time and place, the GNA affirmed that it wouldn’t stand idle towards the violations and crimes committed by the LNA in Sirte.

However, the LNA denied targeting the militias in the west of Sirte and confirmed adhering to the ceasefire.

LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mesmari said that through spreading fake news the militias seek to find a justification for their upcoming aggressive operations against the army forces.