31 Jul – 6 Aug: LNA airstrikes hit Misrata, Murzuq and Mitiga

Aug 7, 2019 | Libyan actors

On 2 August, the Libyan National Army (LNA) reported that it conducted several airstrikes on Government of National Accord (GNA)-aligned forces at Saddada, al-Shuwayrif, and al-Kararim, who were allegedly preparing to launch an assault on the LNA-controlled Jufra airbase. On 3 August, the GNA announced that it had shot down an LNA Wing Loong UAV near Abu Grein, south of Misrata. On 3 and 4 August, LNA forces conducted aerial attacks against Tripoli’s Mitiga airport.

On 4 August, at least 42 people were killed and more than 60 injured after an LNA aerial attack hit a town hall meeting in the al-Qala residential area of Murzuq in southern Libya. According to Ibrahim Omar, a member of the Murzuq municipal council, over 200 local dignitaries had met at the government building to discuss settling local differences after recent unrest in the town. The LNA said in a statement that its strike had targeted “Chadian opposition fighters”. On 6 August, the LNA said it had conducted a further 5 precision airstrikes in Murzuq against Chadian opposition elements.

On 5 August, the LNA launched aerial attacks on Misrata Air College targeting the air defence system and a large Turkish cargo plane reportedly carrying ammunition, drones and missiles. Reports indicate that an IL-76 cargo plane that had just flown in from Ankara was hit. On 6 August, the Italian Chief of Staff issued a statement saying no Italian troops or facilities were affected by the airstrike.