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By Jamie Prentis.
Tunis, 3 August 2017:
Khalifa Hafter has ordered his forces to attack non-commercial vessels entering Libyan waters without permission.
A statement issued by the Libyan National Army (LNA) general command specifically called on the air force and naval bases at Tobruk, Benghazi, Ras Lanuf and, remarkably, Tripoli to be ready for combat.
While the order does not mention Italian ships, there is little doubt that it is directed specifically at them. It followed a vote by the parliament in Rome backing an Italian government plan to send two ships into Libyan waters to help battle illegal migration.
The decision has been heavily criticised in the east of Libya, with LNA spokesman Ahmed Mismari calling it a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
The House of Representatives said the same, noting they did not recognise any agreement between the Presidency Council and Italy. I accused the Italians of trying to “export” the migrant crisis by returning tens of thousands of illegal immigrants to Libya. It would have “dangerous security, economic and social effects” on the country, it warned.
Italian media, quoting government sources, today said officials in Rome remained unperturbed by Hafter’s comments. These are seen as unrealistic , not least in that the naval forces at the LNA’s command are based in the east of the country while the smuggling which the Italians hope to dent is in the west.
