By Noora Ibrahim.
Benghazi, 4 September 2014:
Tobruk-based Operation Dignity has claimed it is preparing an offensive in Tripoli as its . . .[restrict]partners in the west of the country gather forces in Zintan.
The Commander of Dignity’s Air Force, Adam Saqr Geroushi, told the Libya Herald that Dignity was working in collaboration with the Zintanis who were pushed out of Tripoli last month following six weeks of fighting with the Misratan-led forces of Operation Libya Dawn.
Geroushi said the Zintanis and their allies were marshalling their strength ahead of a push back into the capital. He did not say when the counter-offensive would begin.
Geroushi explained that Operation Dignity would be providing air support during the campaign, bombing positions held by Libya Dawn on the outskirts of Tripoli. He said Dignity had begun its bombing campaign over the capital, a reference to airstrikes made last month and now widely claimed to have been carried out by Emirati warplanes.
It is alleged that the UAE, which possesses one of the most formidable air forces within the region, provided the necessary aircraft and pilots with Egypt offering its bases for the bombings.
The UAE has not commented on the two attacks while Egypt has flatly denied any involvement, even accusing US officials who commented on the bombings of lying and of trying to drag Egypt into the Libyan crisis.
Despite the controversy, Operation Dignity claimed responsibility for the attacks when they were first made, although they do not have the capacity to carry out the long-range air assault themselves.
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