Forces loyal to Libya’s internationally recognized government have seized a major airbase south of Tripoli from rival forces who have been trying to take over Libya for more than a year.
A top military commander says the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) has complete control of al-Watiya airbase.
The GMA controls the capital, Tripoli, but the LNA controls eastern and southern Libya, most of the oil fields and refineries, and the key Mediterranean port of Sirte.
The GMA is the United Nations-installed government, and the LNA is Haftar’s rival administration, headquartered in eastern Libya.
Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates are the LNA’s chief backers, while Turkey has sent drones and defensive equipment to the GNA.
