Click to see full-size image
In the early hours of April 16th, pro-Government of National Accord sources reported that Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) shelled civilian areas in Tripoli with BM-21 Grad rockets.
The shelling resulted in only material damage.
Warlord Khalifa Haftar’s armed groups indiscriminately shelled #Tripoli districts with BM-21 Grad rockets last night causing significant damage to people’s houses. #Libya pic.twitter.com/Mv828FHqG5
— The Libya Observer (@Lyobserver) April 16, 2019
A video allegedly showed the launching of the BM-21 Grad rockets towards Tripoli by the LNA.
#Libye Cette vidéo montrerait le bombardement de la ville de #Tripoli avec des missiles #Grad par la #LNA d’#Haftar cette nuit (le 16-04-2019) après minuit
(Vidéo à authentifier & information à confirmer)#Libya #ليبيا #KhalifaHaftar #GNA
? @trabno pic.twitter.com/tdKLg172tz— Rebecca Rambar (@RebeccaRambar) April 16, 2019
A pro-LNA outlet reported that GNA warplanes carried out an airstrike on the city of Hoon, and that there were no casualties.
GNA aircraft reportedly carried out a bombing in the Al-Jafra area.
مكان قصف الطائرة الحربية التابعة لميليشيات مصراتة اليوم pic.twitter.com/Y13vPuHHB4
— ابن ليبيا السرتاوي???? (@MstrMax11) April 16, 2019
The GNA air force also struck targets at the Al Hira gate.
طيران الكلية الجوية مصراتة التابع ميليشيات #مصراتة يقصف بوابة #الهيرة الان pic.twitter.com/7H5aJtlxQe
— ابن ليبيا السرتاوي???? (@MstrMax11) April 16, 2019
The LNA accused the GNA of carrying out strikes out of Misrata airport specifically targeted at civilians.
#ليبيا | «الجيش الوطني» يتهم #مصراتة وميليشيات #طرابلس بقصف مدنيينhttps://t.co/r8W7y2Bl0m
— صحيفة الشرق الأوسط (@aawsat_News) April 16, 2019
Meanwhile, Italian Sky News showed a video of LNA forces advancing on GNA positions in Tripoli. Due to the LNA having a heavy weapon, the GNA were retreating.
فيديو تم بثه الآن من طرف التلفزيون الإيطالي يوضح أحد محاور القتال في هذا المساء ، والصحفية تقول ان القوات المهاجمة تملك سلاح ثقيل ولها قوة نارية عالية أجبرت قوات السراج على التراجع ..
ونحن يتم نقلنا في سيارة مصفحة لترك خط القتال..#طوفان_الكرامة pic.twitter.com/dzXbwyEkoE— غصة الخوارج (@LiBya_73) April 15, 2019
LNA forces also moved tanks and other equipment towards Tripoli.
مرور شاحنات تحمل 4 دباباب ومدفع بالماريا من منطقة #القويعة بتجاه #طرابلس قبل قليل pic.twitter.com/lJ7Bb9TwV1
— ابن ليبيا السرتاوي???? (@MstrMax11) April 15, 2019
Additionally, the LNA received reinforcements in the city of Gharian.
“Large reinforcements arrived in the city of Gharian on Sunday [14.04] night and are now preparing to go to Tripoli,” the Military Information Division.
There were heavy clashes between the LNA and GNA in the Ain Zara district, no clear advantage was reported.
A few hours earlier pro-LNA sources reported that the LNA had gained control over the Abyar and Kabylie areas of Ain Zara, but clashes with the GNA were continuing.
Heavy clashes in Ain Zara district, south of #Tripoli, between #Libya Army units and armed groups of warlord Khalifa Haftar pic.twitter.com/OFJJKRmxj7
— The Libya Observer (@Lyobserver) April 15, 2019
The GNA Facebook page published a video showing an alleged LNA member transporting weapons and equipment using a commercial passenger plane.
#عملية_بركان_الغضب فيديو ميليشيات #المتمرد تستغل طائرة ركاب مدنية لنقل أسلحة و ذخائر #لن_نعود_للقيود #تبديد_وهم_المتمرد #ليبيا
Posted by عملية بركان الغضب on Monday, April 15, 2019
Click to see full-size image
In terms of outside actor movements, a French spy plane ISR CAE Aviation Swearingen Metroliner N919CK was detected heading to Misrata airport in Libya, which is a primary GNA operation hub.
French spy plane ISR CAE Aviation Swearingen Metroliner N919CK heading #Misrata #Libya pic.twitter.com/4NbevrB3N4
— Manu Gómez (@GDarkconrad) April 15, 2019
A NATO AWACS LX-N90451 was also reported tracking off the coast of Libya.
NATO AWACS LX-N90451 tracking off the coast of #Libya pic.twitter.com/YuiQNlfkHC
— Manu Gómez (@GDarkconrad) April 15, 2019
These are both more than likely in support of the GNA.
On the side of the LNA, an Egyptian Air Force C130 EGY1107 was tracked over Libya.
Egyptian Air Force C130 EGY1107 tracking over #Libya pic.twitter.com/WPGRZD5Fyo
— Manu Gómez (@GDarkconrad) April 15, 2019
Finally, the UN Special Envoy for Libya Ghassan Salame claimed that Field Marshal Haftar wasn’t carrying out a counter-terrorism operation, but rather a military coup. He alleged that there was a stalemate between the LNA and GNA in Tripoli and that talks were fruitless until both sides realize that a military victory was not possible.
Ghassan Salame, UN Libya Special Envoy, says on R4 Haftar is not running a counter-terror strike, but a coup. Claims there is a military stalemate in Tripoli, where third of Libyan population live, and says talks fruitless until both sides recognise there is no military victory.
— Patrick Wintour (@patrickwintour) April 15, 2019
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
