The forces loyal to Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA), which is backed by the international community as the country’s legitimate government, are making fast progress in their fight against the Islamic State (IS). They are engaged in a fierce battle to take control of the IS stronghold of Sirte, which happens to be the home town of ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The government forces said they have already recaptured the port in Sirte and some residential areas, and are making fast and substantial progress in their goal of retaking the entire city.
The fall of Sirte would be a lethal blow to the IS and a huge gain for the national government which is in a desperate bid to assert its authority across the country. The Islamists had captured the coastal city last year and made it the headquarters of their operations in North Africa. The city’s proximity to Europe, being just across the Mediterranean, has been a cause of major concern to the West.
The GNA, led by prime minister-designate Fayez Al Sarraj, enjoys international support, especially from the West, and it’s up to the new government to take control of the entire country. First, it must complete its Sirte operation successfully, which will help it establish its authority. Once Sirte is taken, the rival militias operating in the country must be brought under control. The new government must also win the support of ordinary Libyans through its democratic and people-friendly policies.
Libya has been in chaos since the ouster of Gaddafi in 2011 and it’s time for the country to enjoy some peace and stability. The road ahead will not be easy for the government of Al Sarraj, but it has the resources and support to achieve its objectives. The anti-IS operation being carried out with the support of Western countries provides a golden opportunity for the new government to prove its strength and build confidence among people. Once Sirte falls, the rulers in Tripoli will acquire enough credibility to accomplish the rest of its missions.
The US and Britain are providing intelligence support for the operation in Sirte, and reports even say that a small group of US special forces is in the country to work with the government forces. This cooperation needs to be expanded to eliminate the threat of all militias. The government must also try to win the support of many factions operating in the country, first through dialogue and diplomacy, and if that fails, through the use of force.
This is a government that cannot afford to fail.
The forces loyal to Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA), which is backed by the international community as the country’s legitimate government, are making fast progress in their fight against the Islamic State (IS). They are engaged in a fierce battle to take control of the IS stronghold of Sirte, which happens to be the home town of ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The government forces said they have already recaptured the port in Sirte and some residential areas, and are making fast and substantial progress in their goal of retaking the entire city.
The fall of Sirte would be a lethal blow to the IS and a huge gain for the national government which is in a desperate bid to assert its authority across the country. The Islamists had captured the coastal city last year and made it the headquarters of their operations in North Africa. The city’s proximity to Europe, being just across the Mediterranean, has been a cause of major concern to the West.
The GNA, led by prime minister-designate Fayez Al Sarraj, enjoys international support, especially from the West, and it’s up to the new government to take control of the entire country. First, it must complete its Sirte operation successfully, which will help it establish its authority. Once Sirte is taken, the rival militias operating in the country must be brought under control. The new government must also win the support of ordinary Libyans through its democratic and people-friendly policies.
Libya has been in chaos since the ouster of Gaddafi in 2011 and it’s time for the country to enjoy some peace and stability. The road ahead will not be easy for the government of Al Sarraj, but it has the resources and support to achieve its objectives. The anti-IS operation being carried out with the support of Western countries provides a golden opportunity for the new government to prove its strength and build confidence among people. Once Sirte falls, the rulers in Tripoli will acquire enough credibility to accomplish the rest of its missions.
The US and Britain are providing intelligence support for the operation in Sirte, and reports even say that a small group of US special forces is in the country to work with the government forces. This cooperation needs to be expanded to eliminate the threat of all militias. The government must also try to win the support of many factions operating in the country, first through dialogue and diplomacy, and if that fails, through the use of force.
This is a government that cannot afford to fail.
