Libya’s Armed Forces revealed that the situation in the Oil Crescent area became under control, as they managed to counter a terrorist attack. Spokesperson of Libyan army Ahmed Al Mesmari revealed that the Libyan army managed to confiscate 40 percent of the terrorists’ cars, revealing that the attackers are loyal to the opposition movements in Chad.
He signaled that they have no evidence if the Libyan presidential council involved in the attack or not, stressing that the Armed Forces was keen to protect the lives of civilians. He clarified that the army lost two of its elements during the attacks. He called the residents of the area to remain in their houses warning that the army will launch a military operation to liberate the area.
He added that the terrorists attacked the Oil Crescent to pressure Libya and the international community in addition to controlling one of the strategic areas to achieve financial gains through which they can finance their terrorist operations.
On Friday, ten armed people loyal to extremist group of Qaeda in Benghazi have been killed during clashes with other militant loyal to Tobruk’s House of Representatives. The extremists managed to control a number of areas near the oil ports, including Nofaleya, Bin Jawad, Sadra and Ras Lanov.
On its hand, Libya’s internationally-recognized Presidential Council, headed by Fayez Al Sarraj, denied any relation with the military escalation witnessed in the Oil Crescent area, saying that they have not issued any orders to any military power to move towards the area.
It added, “We strongly condemn any action could undermine the Libyans’ aspirations to reach a political solution for the current crisis.” It expressed its condemnation for such serious escalation coinciding with the efforts it exerts to achieve the national reconciliation on internal, regional and international levels.
The council added that it has the options to deter the violators, stressing that the oil is the wealth of all Libyans and should come out of any conflicts between the Libyan parties.
In Moscow, Sarraj blames Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar for undermining a rare opportunity to achieve reconciliation as he refused to meet with him in Cairo, stressing his readiness to cooperate with the Russian government to resolve the Libyan crisis and to achieve economic development during the coming period.
It is important to mention that Sarraj met with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss the recent developments in the Libyan arena and the efforts exerted to achieve political solution for the Libyan crisis.