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Throughout May 8th and continuing on May 9th, the heavy strikes by Haftar’s forces on Mitiga airbase continued.
Occupied Mitiga airbase still under heavy bombardment more than 52 hits and counting.#Tripoli #Libya pic.twitter.com/usPZOcyIcE
— M.LNA (@LNA2019M) May 9, 2020
The airbase is the primary command center and base of operations of the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) forces. While Misrata is being used as a center of operations for their Turkish supporters.
Mitiga airbase pic.twitter.com/0HMMX6BEcP
— M.LNA (@LNA2019M) May 9, 2020
Occupied Mitiga airbase pic.twitter.com/mkMWg0IAEz
— M.LNA (@LNA2019M) May 9, 2020
The attacks are both by air, as well as by artillery shelling.
First moment of #LNA artillery strike on occupied mitiga airbase.#Libya pic.twitter.com/Ju9npLMxzI
— M.LNA (@LNA2019M) May 9, 2020
As the push is ramping up, Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesperson Brigadier General Ahmed al-Mesmari issued a statement vowing that no international missions, headquarters of international companies and national institutions in Tripoli would be targeted and struck.
https://t.co/P6ta5Rm3Ts pic.twitter.com/lUVEkvlJ7t
— M.LNA (@LNA2019M) May 9, 2020
The LNA purportedly also received a new Pantsir S-1 defense system.
It’s funny how OPSEC changes.
Less then a year ago, this was the best kept secret in #Libya, barely a couple of hidden shots (that means a lot in Libya)Now people post so many photos with it like it’s a tourist attraction.
Purportedly new Pantsir S-1/SA-22 Greyhound with #LNA pic.twitter.com/TdxyYO24uL
— Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) May 9, 2020
Meanwhile, the GNA continues its push on al-Watiya airbase, southwest of Tripoli.
Airstrikes were renewed on May 8th, and there are reports that 9 LNA troops were killed as a result of them
مقتل 9 عناصر من مليشيات حفتر الانقلابية في قصف للطيران المسير تابع لسلاح الجو علي نقطة أمنية للمليشيات بالطريق الرئيسي جنوب شرق قاعدة الوطية#عاصفة_السلام
— عماد فتحي E.Fathi (@emad_badish) May 8, 2020
There are also no reports of clashes, but the LNA spokesperson al-Mesmari said that the city of Tarhuna, under LNA control, is besieged by the GNA, which is exacerbating the situation with public health in the city.
المتحدث باسم الجيش الوطني الليبي أحمد المسماري: عدة مدن ليبية تعرضت لقصف مكثف من الطائرات المسيرة التركية مما أدى إلى سقوط ضحايا من المدنيين
— سكاي نيوز عربية-عاجل (@SkyNewsArabia_B) May 8, 2020
In regard to the oil blockade, reports came in that the block would continue until the tribal demands are fulfilled.
Kufra Municipality Says Oil Fields Will Remain Closed Until Tribal Demands Are Met
The Mayor of Kufra, Moftah Abu Khalil, said that it was not possible to reopen the oil fields without fulfilling the demands of the Libyan tribes…#Libya #LibyaReview https://t.co/fK3Vu9vQRm
— Libya Review (@LibyaReview) May 8, 2020
Finally, when it comes to fake news – media advisor to the GNA’s Ministry of Health – Amin al-Hashemi admitted that a story he announced on May 8th that an LNA missile strike that had struck a family in Ain Zara, southern Tripoli was entirely fake. The story was shared by Al Jazeera, as well as GNA-related media.
Media Advisor of #GNAs Ministry of Health Amin Al #Hashemi, admitted the story he announced on Friday of a missile strike by the #LNA that had killed a family in Ain Zara at breakfast was fake. The fake news was carried by @AlJazeera and GNA media. #Libyahttps://t.co/zFGHBvpti3
— صحيفة المرصد الليبية (@ObservatoryLY) May 9, 2020
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