Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba, held an extensive meeting today at the West Coast Military Zone to discuss the security and military situation in the city of Zawia and the western region.
Aldabaiba, it will be recalled, also holds the portfolio of Defence Minister.
The meeting was attended by:
· Presidential Council member Abdullah al-Lafi;
· Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General Abdulsalam al-Zubi;
· Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army, Lieutenant General Salah al-Din al-Namroush;
· Member of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, Lieutenant General Mustafa Yahya;
· Head of the Stability Support Apparatus, Major General Hassan Bouzriba;
· Commander of the 52nd Infantry Brigade, Mahmoud bin Rajab;
· Commander of the 103rd Infantry Battalion, Othman al-Lahab;
· Commander of the 55th Infantry Battalion, Muammar al-Dawi;
· Deputy Head of the Anti-Security Threats Apparatus, Brigadier General Mohamed Bahroun.
The meeting addressed ways to strengthen security and stability in Zawia and the western region, coordinate efforts among various military and security units and formations, regulate their operations to ensure discipline and adherence to directives issued by the competent authorities, and unify efforts to maintain public security.
Aldabaiba emphasized the necessity of adhering to the chain of command and military regulations, prohibiting any field movements or actions taken outside the scope of official directives, and enhancing coordination among military and security leaders to help prevent tensions and maintain stability.
Furthermore, the meeting underscored the importance of prioritizing the national interest, consolidating efforts to protect citizens as well as public and private property, and supporting state institutions in the performance of their duties—all with the aim of bolstering security and stability in Zawia and across the various cities and areas of the western region.
Beleaguered Zawia
It will be recalled that the beleaguered city of Zawia, only 45 kms west of the capital Tripoli, represents all that is bad and wrong about post-Qaddafi Libya.
Despite its proximity to Tripoli, no Tripoli government since the 2011 Revolution has been able to fully unite or impose its will on the city.
The city is a microcosm of Libya’s multi-layered complexity through its divisions along tribal, military and political lines. Parts of the city are perceived as ‘‘Islamists’’, others are pro- Tripoli, others are pro Qaddafi/Hafter - while other families / tribes are fuel smugglers and human traffickers.
Preference for the use of force as the tool for settling differences
Unfortunately, they have since 2011 invariably preferred to settle their political disagreements through the use of force through their associated militias.
Use of armed drones this summer elevates Zawia’s instability to another level?
This summer, insecurity and instability in Zawia went beyond the perennial militia clashes which damage property and catch innocent civilians in their crossfire.
This summer, armed drones were used by-yet-to-be-identified perpetrators to attack Zawia’s fuel depot, the water desalination plant and the power plant.
And although the Tripoli government claimed it had dismantled a so-called ''sabotage cell''. No body has been publicly identified or referred to prosecution.
It is with this background and through this perspective that today's expanded meeting was held and must be seen.
Tripoli Government Dismantles Sabotage Cell Targeting Energy Assets
Libyan PM Aldabaiba Calls for End to Militia Fighting in Zawia
Petroleum Facilities Guards Blockade Zawia Oil Refinery Main Entrance
Zawia Refinery Reports Naphtha Tank Leak After Drone Collision
Fifth Armed Drone Attack Strikes Zawia Oil Refinery Tank
GE Halts Zawia Power Station Operations After Drone Attack
Criminal Investigation Agency Probes Zawia Oil Complex Drone Attack
Zawia Oil Depot Tank Collapses Following Drone Strike
Zawia Refinery Kerosene Tank Damaged in Armed Clashes
Zawia Clashes Force Oil Refinery Shutdown and Port Evacuation
Zawia Oil Refinery Resumes Operations Following Militia Clashes