The first week of April has seen the highest number of aerial attacks over all the various battle fronts in Libya since the Libyan National Army (LNA) launched its assault on Tripoli in April 2019. There have been a total of 75 reported aerial incidents – 38 aerial attacks by the Government of National Accord (GNA) aligned forces and 37 from the LNA between 30 March and 5 April. The LNA claimed to have hit targets in Misrata, as well as continuing its barrage of aerial attacks on Tripoli, while the GNA strikes targeted LNA supply lines in Bani Walid, Tarhouna and west of Sirte, as well as around al-Watiya airbase.The GNA forces appear to have achieved this increasing aerial dominance through Turkey’s provision of combat drones, aerial defence systems and advisors/expertise. The GNA aerial attacks appear to have been targeting the LNA’s logistical supply lines in an effort to weaken the provision of ammunition and medical supplies to the frontline troops. This apparent growing aerial dominance, if sustained, may see the GNA forces coordinate another assault on multiple fronts in the coming week in order to push its advantage against the LNA. Whatever the precise tactical outcomes, a continued escalation of the conflict across multiple fronts is likely in the coming weeks.
