GNA military asserts its position as LNA influence grows in North Western Libya

On 24 February, a convoy of fifty armed vehicles under the command of the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) Western Military Region deployed to the al-Qaryat-Mizdat area in response to concerns of the Libyan National Army (LNA) advancing in that direction. Moreover, at the weekend the GNA’s Western Military Region media office released a statement declaring that “all official military units in the western region” remain under their command, “except auxiliary forces in the Sabratha area, operating under the LNA”. The GNA’s deployment of armed vehicles and its statement stressing its control over western security forces comes amid signs of the LNA’s growing support in north-western Libya. For example, on 19 February the LNA’s 155 Battalion released a video showing four of its members somewhere in Tripoli, declaring their support for the LNA’s General Command. On 19 February, a Chadian national was arrested for having false identification close to Tiji, in south-western Libya. Tiji has been notably supportive of the LNA as it combats Chadian opposition groups in the south.Such movements indicate that the LNA is attempting to assert its authority and counter the LNA’s narrative (and public perception) of its growing influence in the region. The LNA’s success in the South is leading to shifting alliances and allowing it to build new relationships in north-western Libya. The LNA’s Operation Cordon of Hamada (a security zone between south-west and north-west Libya, between Ghadames, Hamada and al-Qaryah) along with pledges of support from some groups in north-western towns, is also seeing an increase in the LNA’s military presence in this region. However, at present there are still far more militias and security forces in the western region who reject the LNA’s presence therefore a widespread ‘flip’ of allegiances to the LNA is not expected in the short term, though cannot be ruled out in the longer term.