General Khalifa Hafter’s Libyan National Army (LNA) is losing substantial territory in the northwest of Libya, and the Government of National Accord (GNA) is looking to compound those gains by attacking LNA forces in Tripoli outright.
The GNA clearly wants to secure more big gains, as LNA attempts to end sieges on smaller holdings in the area have failed. Tripoli is the big prize, however, and it’s not clear Hafter can tolerate withdrawing from the area, or if his supporters will keep bankrolling him.
Hafter’s forces were on the brink of taking over the capital a year ago and have tried to keep their presence nearby since then. They are awash in international support, and have kept near Tripoli for the sake of keeping that funding coming.
The GNA has not been seen as a powerful military force, and it is a surprise that after so many losses to Hafter’s forces they have suddenly turned the tables. Now, however, they seem on the brink of reclaiming the country’s western coast.
Obviously the tide has turned with Turkish support – and more to come.
Russian mercs versus Islamic State dropouts; relatively even match with a lot of see-sawing to come.