Thursday, January 24, 2013

# Libya Army was deployed in Tripoli to regain control from Benghazi militias


Libyan military moves to secure Tripoli from Benghazi militias -
Expand 

  • Libyan military moves to secure Tripoli from Benghazi militias

    Special to WorldTribune.com
    CAIRO — Libya has launched its new military in a crackdown on
    militias in the capital of the North African state.
    Officials said the Army deployment began in mid-January with the
    establishment of checkpoints on roads to Tripoli. They said commanders
    determined that the militias were expected to bring reinforcements from
    around the country, particularly Benghazi.
    A car burns after it was ambushed by gunmen in the Libyan capital of Tripoli on Jan. 18. /Reuters
    Officials said the Libyan Army was deployed in several parts of Tripoli

    to regain control of the capital from the nation’s powerful militias. They said the operation was conducted by the Defense Ministry and Interior Ministry in what could last several weeks.
    “The first steps would be to restore a military presence in troubled
    parts of the city,” an official said. “We are prepared for any
    confrontations.”
    “There is strong cooperation and coordination between the Army and
    police,” the official said.
    The government has sent representatives to neighborhoods throughout
    Tripoli in an appeal to cooperate with security forces. They said the
    operation was being aided by Western advisers assigned to help improve
    security in the country.
    The military opertiton came amid reports of dissension within the
    military. In mid-January, a shootout erupted between military factions at
    the Air Force base in Tobrouk. There were no reports of serious injuries
Posted by Robby Ball at 7:36 AM