LNA strengthens aerial dominance and launches attack on Tripoli peripheries

Over the course of the last week, the Libyan National Army (LNA) maintained its aerial dominance over Tripoli, while the Government of National Accord (GNA) did not launch any aerial attacks. The LNA undertook aerial attacks on the southern Tripoli frontlines, particularly in and around Ghariyan, Aziziya, and Swani. Both the GNA and the UN condemned these attacks which caused civilian casualties. This coincides with reports that the LNA is now utilizing attack helicopters in Tripoli.  The LNA also launched air attacks on Tripoli’s western and southern periphery. On 30 November, the LNA undertook aerial attacks targeting the National Mobile Force based along the Coast Road near the Tripoli West Power Station.The LNA has successfully degraded the anti-LNA's drone and aerial capabilities. Over the course of the last few months, the LNA destroyed at least 15 Baykar Bayraktar TB-2 drones. The GNA’s new military and security agreement with Turkey is thought to include the replacement of these lost capabilities, though a timeframe for their delivery remains unknown (as are the reasons for Turkey’s reasons for not providing them sooner). While the LNA has dominated the skies over Tripoli for the last few months, this has not resulted in a change in territorial control on the ground nor led to a successful decimation of the anti-LNA armed group leadership. As such, the LNA’s recent attacks on the Tripoli peripheries may hint at a new strategy or approach in its use of aerial capabilities.