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Juwaili: Liberation of Gharyan is a U-turn in Tripoli's fighting
[Libya Observer] The commander of western operations room of the Presidential Council Osama Juwaili said "liberating Gharyan from Khalifa Haftar ...Self-proclaimed Field Marshal, served in the Libyan army under Muammar Qadaffy, and took part in the coup that brought Qadaffy to power in 1969. He became a prisoner of war in Chad in 1987. While held prisoner, he and his fellow officers formed a group hoping to overthrow Qadaffy, so it's kind of hard to describe him as a Qadaffy holdover. He was released around 1990 in a deal with the United States government and spent nearly two decades in the United States, gaining US citizenship. In 1993, while living in the United States, he was convicted in absentia of crimes against the Jamahiriya and sentenced to death. Haftar held a senior position in the anti-Qadaffy forces in the 2011 Libyan Civil War. In 2014 he was commander of the Libyan Army when the General National Congress (GNC) refused to give up power in accordance with its term of office. Haftar launched a campaign against the GNC and its Islamic fundamentalist allies. His campaign allowed elections to take place to replace the GNC, but then developed into a civil war. Guess you can't win them all...'s forces on Wednesday constitutes a radical change of realities in the ongoing war." In a statement, Juwaili said the city of Gharyan was entirely captured by the Libyan Army forces who killed and injured many fighters from Haftar's forces and arrested many others. "The return to legitimacy in Libya is still an open option for all parties, the criminals will always be a target for the western military forces under the command of the Presidential Council. I urge all tribes in Libya to cooperate with the Libyan Army forces and prevent Haftar's forces from repositioning in residential areas and state properties." Juwaili added. Meanwhile, ...back at the revival hall, Buford bit the snake and Eloise began speaking in tongues... the Head of the Presidential Council Fayez al-Sarraj welcomed the "liberation of Gharyan," saying this is the beginning of foiling the coup plot that Haftar schemed to seize power "The offensive against Haftar's forces is ongoing and will be so till all Libyan areas are "cleansed." al-Sarraj remarked. He called on "the people lured into the fighting" in other areas to side with the country and unshoulder their weapons to avoid bloodshed. The High Council of State hailed the victories of the Libyan Army forces and the seizing of control over the city of Gharyan after it had been liberated from criminal gangs. "All those backing up Haftar's forces in their war on Tripoli ...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn... should withdraw as it is a losing war led by the criminal Haftar and his sons who want to rule Libya by force." The Head of High Council of State Khalid al-Mishri said. Posted by: Fred 2019-06-28 |
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