Libyan army attacks armed gangs on border with Chad

The 128th Reinforced Brigade of the Libyan National Army (LNA) has launched an attack on armed groups involved in smuggling and gold mining in the Kalanga area on the border with Chad, reports the Italian news agency Nova based on LNA sources. 

This operation aims to reinforce control over the borders with Chad and Niger shortly after the trade agreement recently signed in Benghazi between Tripoli and Niamey.

The agreement, signed by General Mohammed Tomba, Niger's Minister of Interior, together with the General Command of the Libyan National Army, aims to push forward a long-standing treaty related to the protection of the common border and another agreement on cooperation in the field of intelligence. In addition, a memorandum of understanding related to free trade and economic zones was also signed during the meeting.

The meeting was part of an official working visit by a Nigerian delegation to Benghazi that began on 15 August, with Tomba leading a team with members of the intelligence and counter-terrorism agencies.

Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Since then, the Arab nation has been divided for years between rival administrations.

Libya's economy, which relies heavily on oil, has been affected by countless conflicts in recent decades. Instability has severely affected oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy.

The fighting and power struggles have also led to a major humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands killed and many more displaced. In this regard, migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced numerous challenges. 

Elections scheduled for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over electoral laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised fears about the viability of a peaceful political transition, something that countries in the region, such as Morocco, and international organisations such as the United Nations are also trying to push for. 

Despite the ceasefire, security remains a major challenge for the Libyan authorities, as fighting between rival groups is common. Also noteworthy is the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters, many of them sent by Russia and Turkey. It is for these reasons that the unification of the armed forces and the withdrawal of foreign forces are crucial challenges necessary to achieve some stability in the country.