Western Libya on cusp of new power struggle

Mustafa Kamel

There is a power struggle in western Libya. This struggle takes place at a time of intensified efforts by regional and international powers to put an end to the conflict in the North African state.

There are efforts for restructuring what is known as the “Deterrence Force” for a more efficient fight against terrorism.

The force will be directly affiliated to the prime minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj.

However, this threatens to open the door for more conflicts in this part of Libya.

Reorganization

Sarraj appointed Abdel Raouf Kareh as the head of the new Deterrence Force. Kareh used to be the commander of the Special Deterrence Force, one of the most outstanding militias in western Libya.

The new force will be oriented towards a better fight against terrorism. It will be financially affiliated to the Presidential Council.

Sarraj’s decision for the restructuring of the force coincided with a meeting at the Interior Ministry of his government.

The media center of the ministry said the meeting would discuss a plan for securing Libyan capital Tripoli.

The heads of the different Interior Ministry departments attended the meeting. However, the senior officers of the Deterrence Force did not attend it, throwing light into possible tensions between Sarraj and Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha.