5-11 Apr: Clashes intensify between GNA and LNA in Teminhint

Apr 11, 2017 | Libyan actors

On 5 April, the Libyan National Army (LNA) conducted airstrikes against Teminhint airbase near Sebha in south-west Libya. On 6 April, the LNA deployed Mohamed Bin Nayel’s 12th Brigade to besiege the base. Teminhint is controlled by the Misratan-led Third Force, which is aligned to the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. The GNA condemned the LNA offensive and pledged to repel the attack.

On 5 April, the GNA operations room said it had conducted two airstrikes against Brak al-Shati airbase, which is located around 80km north of Teminhint. LNA fighters currently control Brak airbase. On 8 April, the GNA launched Operation Promised Hope, with the aim of securing control over Jufra and southern Libya. The same day, the Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB) announced the formal handover of their Jufra military base to the GNA.

On 7 April, the House of Representatives (HoR) called for an immediate no-fly zone in southern Libya and a swift ceasefire in Teminhint district, stressing the importance of avoiding military escalation. However the same day, Abdullah al-Thinni, prime minister of the House of Representatives (HoR) eastern government, said in a television interview that Libya’s divisions will only be solved through military action. Thinni called on Libyans to unite behind Khalifa Haftar and the LNA.

Clashes around Temenhint reached a climax on 10 April with intense clashes and LNA airstrikes killing at least 10 fighters in total and injuring several more from both factions. Reports indicate that there have also been clashes near Samnu, about 50 km north-east of Sabha.