Libyan Army Boosting Border Contingent Amid Instability in Mali, Niger, Chad – Spokesman
A view of the Old Town of Benghazi, Libya
BENGHAZI (Sputnik) – The Libyan National Army (LNA) of eastern Libya has significantly boosted forces on the country’s borders with Mali, Niger and Chad amid growing instability in these countries, the LNA official spokesman, Ahmed al-Mismari, told Sputnik. “The general command of the LNA has sent significant reserves to strengthen and support the border contingent forces in the southwest of Libya,” the spokesman said. Such measures were undertaken to ensure security along the entire border and to counteract instability-linked situations in the neighboring countries, al-Mismari said. “Border defense always requires full coordination with the neighboring countries to have a full control and mutual cooperation to respond to any possible developments related either to security or humanitarian issues,” the official said, implying that the army is in constant coordination with the authorities of Mali, Niger and Chad. The Libyan border forces have established three defense lines – the western, eastern and the southern – with joint length of 4,200 kilometers (2,609 miles), the official said, adding that significant additional forces were sent to guard them. Libya is currently ruled by two rival governments. The western part of Libya is controlled by the UN-backed Government of National Accord, based in Tripoli, while the eastern part is under the Government of National Stability, backed by the Libyan National Army. The country’s south has been overrun by tribal armed groups and remains in turmoil due to civil unrest and the continuing threat of terrorism.
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