04 Jun 2020 | 05:30 PM UTC
Libya: GNA recaptures Tripoli and surrounding administrative boundaries June 4
GNA ousts LNA forces and recaptures Tripoli and its surrounding administrative boundaries on June 4; further operations and counterattacks are possible in the near term
Event
Forces affiliated with the Government of National Accord (GNA) claimed on Thursday, June 4, to have recaptured Tripoli and its surrounding administrative boundaries. Local sources indicate that the Libyan National Army (LNA) forces were ousted on Thursday and they have retreated from their positions in Ain Zara and Wadi Alrabea, back to the Fam Mola checkpoint near Tarhunah. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the GNA have retaken Suq al-Khamis and that the LNA has also withdrawn from Alasaba in the Nafousa Mountains, an area LNA forces retook on Monday, June 1.
Clashes between the LNA and GNA have been ongoing for several days in Tripoli and the surrounding areas. On Wednesday, June 3, the GNA seized control of Tripoli International Airport (TIP) following intense fighting.
Further clashes between LNA and GNA forces in the area are possible in the near term.
Context
The Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an offensive on Tripoli on April 4, 2019, and prompted evacuations of foreigners from Tripoli on April 7, 2019. LNA and Government of National Accord (GNA) airstrikes have been sporadically reported since April 8, 2019. The bulk of recent fighting has been concentrated in the southern suburbs of the capital.
Advice
The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with appropriate security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
