Libya army launches operation ‘Volcano of Rage’ against Haftar

Middle Eastern Monitor

The Libyan Army has launched a new military campaign to combat General Khalifa Haftar’s assault on the capital Tripoli, dubbed “Volcano of Rage”.

Newly appointed spokesman for the Libyan Army Mohammed Gununu announced the move yesterday, stating that troops of the Government of National Accord (GNA) had already advanced on several fronts and captured many military vehicles from Haftar’s forces.

“The Libyan Army rejects coups and militarisation of the state. Libya will always be a civilian state and the army will protect it and secure the people,” Gununu said. “This attack is a surprising one that destroyed the Libyans’ hopes for democracy at a time when they were preparing for the upcoming national conference in Ghadames.”

Last week, General Haftar’s forces announced the start of an assault on areas in the west of the country, including Tripoli, despite warnings from the international community that the attack could plunge the country into active civil war.

In a televised interview this weekend, President Council head Fayez Al-Sarraj slammed the move, citing the arrangements he had made during previous meetings with Haftar, saying his opponent had “broken the covenant” and “tried to stab him in the back”.

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