By Ajnadin Mustafa.
Tripoli, 16 May 2015:
Libya Dawn has been using the lull in fighting to build up forces near Ajilat and Al-Jmail . . .[restrict]in preparation for a fresh offensive against Wattiya airbase, it is claimed.
According to eyewitnesses, 24 armed vehicles as well as heavy artillery belonging to the Janzour-based Mobile Forces have moved to Um Shuwaish, south west of Ajilat, while fighters from the Tripoli Revolutionaries’ have taken up positions at Al-Agrabiya, south of Al-Jmail.
Agrabiya and Um Shuwaish have been repeatedly contested by Libya Dawn and the Libyan National Army (LNA) with its mainly Warshefana and Zintani support forces. However, both places are now under Dawn control.
The lull in fighting, apart from some minor local skirmishes in Maya, immediately west of Janzour, has lasted over a week and follows the agreement with the Misratans to withdraw from the fighting in the area. However, Misrata’s Mardas Brigade has been sent in to prevent any fighting between the Warshefana and Zawia and is also operating checkpoints at Maya.
The main action on the western front in recent days has been in Gharyan, which was shelled the day before yesterday. Zintani support forces are thought to have been responsible.
The area is now quiet. However, with the deployment of new forces at Um Shuwaish and Agrabiya, LNA sources say they now expect a fresh offensive against Wattiya. [/restrict]
