Tripoli, 9 August 2013:
The Libyan Army has deployed troops across Tripoli to secure the capital over the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking . . .[restrict]the end of Ramadan.
The military said that the move was part of a plan to enhance security. This, it said, was authorised by the General National Congress (GNC) president, Nuri Abu Sahmain, the newly-appointed Minister of Defence, Abdullah Al-Thinni, and Army Chief of Staff, Abdulsalam Jad Allah Al-Salheen Al-Obaidi, according to Libyan News Agency LANA.
There were reports that a convoy of “hundreds” of military vehicles entered the capital early this morning. Rumours were widely circulated across social media networks that these had come from Misrata to support and protect the GNC.
A security source told the Libya Herald that there were two armoured vehicles and 19 technicals – improvised fighting vehicles armed with anti-aircraft guns – stationed outside the GNC this afternoon. Traffic around the GNC was at a standstill tonight, with some saying the road had been closed.
There is an increased military presence on the streets of Tripoli, mainly in the form of security personnel manning checkpoints around the city. There have also been reports that Tripoli airports have boosted security.
Attempts made by the Libya Herald to contact the GNC today have been unsuccessful. [/restrict]
