Libya.. "Deterrence Force" Denies Surrendering to Dabaiba's Forces

Arab Sea Newspaper - Special

Arab Gulf - Follow-ups: The "Deterrence Force," the most prominent armed militia in western Libya, has denied complying with the interim Government of National Unity regarding the handover of the headquarters of key institutions it controls, in response to allegations being promoted through a statement giving the force 48 hours to declare "surrender." Over the past hours, scenes of military convoys flowing from Misrata to the outskirts of Tripoli have continued, stationing themselves in Tajoura, east of the capital, to support the forces of the "Government of National Unity" headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in anticipation of an armed confrontation with the "Deterrence Force," which relies on a broad popular base in the Souq al-Juma municipality. Sources revealed a meeting that included leaders of the "Deterrence Force" with dignitaries from Souq al-Juma at the Mitiga base, which culminated in unifying positions in rejecting the handover of the base to any party, regardless of who they are, while mobilizing preparations for a possible confrontation with the so-called public order forces, where they announced a state of emergency and completed all preparations with their allies to defend their headquarters. The Deterrence Force also denounced the promotion of their agreement to seven conditions allegedly presented by Dbeibeh to avoid clashes, stressing that they are not a party to any tension or war. Among the alleged conditions: the force handing over all files and properties, dissolving the anti-immigration agency, handing over Mitiga prison and its facilities in full to the Government of National Unity, and handing over all those wanted by justice, especially those who escaped from the Stability Support Apparatus, which also includes the management and operation of Mitiga International Airport. The head of the Government of National Unity formed a "General Reserve" force to enhance the capabilities of the Ministry of Defense, which consists of about 1,800 armed military vehicles. Reactions varied from social and political actors towards the military escalation that threatens to erupt into confrontations, and residents of Tajoura, in reference to Dbeibeh's forces, expressed their refusal to allow any armed force to be stationed inside the city's camps, demanding that the security and military agencies bear full responsibility for any repercussions that may result from these movements. As for the Souq al-Juma movement, which is active in mobilizing protesters against the Government of National Unity, it expressed its rejection of the entry of forces from Misrata to Tajoura, considering that the mobilizations coming from Misrata "represent a threat to the security of the capital and an undermining of the political process sponsored by the UN mission," stressing that the residents of Tripoli stand united to protect their city and will not allow the return of an atmosphere of war. For its part, the "Tripoli Revolutionaries and Youth" group announced its categorical rejection of any war or attempt to drag the capital into destruction and chaos, and called on the "Deterrence Force" and those who protect them to "hand over the Mitiga base immediately, and not to drag Tripoli into any armed conflict or confrontations outside the framework of the state," and also appealed to Dbeibeh to be patient in using force, and give the force a second chance to hand over the "Deterrence" and comply with state orders. In contrast, Lieutenant General Osama Juwaili, commander of the Western Mountain Military Region, believes that "any armed action inside the capital, whatever its justifications, aims to thwart the political process facilitated by the United Nations mission," warning of "catastrophic consequences for everyone." What sparked the tensions was the attack on the "Conflict Resolution" forces in the capital, which have been carrying out their duties through contact points between the warring parties since mid-May, by militias affiliated with Misrata on Wednesday, and seized some of their vehicles, prompting the head of the forces, Mohammed Hassan, to threaten to withdraw. Several leaders in Misrata, Dbeibeh's hometown, moved to prevent a crisis between the city and Tripoli, where they met to prevent the rekindling of war in the capital.