On 17 March, the eastern-based Interim government’s launched a security operation to remove “terrorists and criminals” from Libya’s South. On 13 March, al-Bunyan al-Marsous spokesman stated that an attack on Sirte by the LNA would be a declaration of war. On 15 March, the LNA released three Zawiyyan prisoners from Qirnada Prison in eastern Libya. On 18 March, the PC has agreed on a budget of around 48.6 billion LYD for 2019.

On 10 March, the LNA took control over the Abu Hadi Checkpoint, south of Sirte. The GNA aligned Sirte Protection Force (SPF) announced a state of emergency in response and mobilised additional forces east and south of Sirte. On 7 March, the LNA’s 73 Brigade observed ‘hostile elements’ making their way through to the Murzuq area. On 9 March, Chadian Interior Minister held a meeting with the LNA and Tebu tribes to secure the common border. On 6 March, GNA spokesperson held a press conference to give further details about the so-called ‘Abu Dhabi Dialogue’,

On 3 March, the LNA claimed it had entered the town of Qatrun. On 28 February, the High Social Council of the Libyan Tuareg announced that the LNA had peacefully entered Ghat and al-Awenat. On 1 March, the LNA officially confirmed its control over Umm al-Aranib. On 4 March, the NOC officially lifted force majeure on Sharara oilfield.

On 20 February, the LNA claimed to have taken control of Murzuq after clashes with the South Protection Force. On 21 February, the Libyan National Army (LNA) announced that it had taken over the security of al-Feel oilfield without any fighting. On 23 February, the LNA’s Tariq bin Zayed Battalion was involved in clashes in the Umm al-Aranib area against Chadian militias.

On 13 February, the GNA claimed that it had coordinated an airstrike with joint U.S.-Libyan forces targeting al-Qaeda members near Awbari. The Libyan National Army (LNA) has begun the second phase of its ‘Operation Southern Liberation’ this week, advancing on Umm al-Aranib and launching airstrikes in the Murzuq area.

On 7 February, the LNA extended its reach towards the Sharara and al-Feel oilfields. On 9 February, the LNA air force carried out airstrikes near al-Feel airstrip. On 11 February, a deal was struck between the LNA and the unit that currently guards Sharara. On 8 February, the TPF announced that it would be integrating into a new, larger coalition and the 301 Brigade took positions in southern Tripoli.