LNA destroys missile stores of Turkish militias in Misrata

Sherif Abdel Zaher

The Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, is continuing its military advance, making significant progress in battles in the city of Misrata, and hunting down armed terrorist militias backed by Turkey.

The LNA’s media division announced in a statement on Friday, October 18 that the Air Force had carried out seven air strikes that targeted important sites in Misrata.

The air strikes targeted the garrison camp and other enemy targets inside the city of Misrata, the statement said, adding that these air strikes resulted in several large explosions due to the destruction and burning of a warehouse used by armed militias to store rockets and ammunition.

The LNA confirmed that the air strikes were the result of the work of its intelligence and reconnaissance teams, which were able to detect and locate targets that were used for the purpose of storing ammunition and air defense equipment that arrived from Turkey.

LNA spokesman Major General Ahmed al-Mesmari said that the Libyan Air Force targeted facilities for storing air defense equipment in Misrata. The explosions resulted in the destruction and burning of rockets and ammunition stored in these facilities.

Meanwhile, Brigadier Khaled al-Mahjoub, director of the LNA’s Department of Moral Guidance, said that the Air Force targeted a gathering of militias and mercenaries who were receiving ammunition from the warehouse of the Sudanese Road camp.

Mahjoub added in press statements on Friday, October 18 that the army carried out major air strikes in less than 24 hours targeting several sites used for military purposes in Misrata.

The LNA recently shot down another Turkish plane in the area of ​​Tamina, southeast of the Air College in Misrata, as it was trying to return to the college after carrying out combat missions against the army forces in Tripoli.

The media center of the LNA’s Karama Operations Room confirmed that the pace of operations continues according to the plans and stages set by Haftar to liberate Tripoli and secure safety in all Libyan territories, stressing that the Air Force carried out intensive raids on militia concentrations.

The LNA has succeeded in liberating the south from terrorist militias and Chadian gangs, after it launched its operation in January imposing the law and deploying its forces in most of the area’s cities; however, terrorist organizations have infiltrated some southern areas again.

The LNA has been engaged in a military operation since April 4, with the aim of clearing the capital Tripoli from militias affiliated with the Government of National Accord (GNA).

For his part, said Libyan affairs researcher Mohammed al-Zaidi said the LNA continues its air strikes in Misrata, stressing that the army’s entry into the city is to safeguard civilians from armed groups.

Armed groups used the city to store weapons and ammunition coming from Turkey, Zaidi said, pointing out that they receive financial and logistical support from Turkey.

He added that the Libyan Air Force is working in all ways to liberate Libya from foreign groups and mercenaries.