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Sisi rallies tribes to support Egypt's intervention in Libya war

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced his country’s readiness to intervene militarily in Libya and train tribes there to fight militias allied with the Tripoli-based government. This has raised questions about the impact such a move would have on the battles in Libya.

Supporters of Libyan military strongman Khalika Haftar wave a national flag as they take part in a demonstration in the coastal city of Benghazi in eastern Libya, against Turkish intervention in the country's affairs on February 14, 2020. - Haftar launched an offensive last April to seize the capital Tripoli, the seat of the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).
Haftar has the backing of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia, among others, while the GNA is mainly supported by Qatar and Tur
Supporters of Libyan military strongman Khalifa Hifter wave a national flag as they take part in a demonstration in the coastal city of Benghazi in eastern Libya against Turkish intervention in the country's affairs on Feb. 14, 2020. — ABDULLAH DOMA/AFP via Getty Images

CAIRO — The Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter, on June 28 sent military reinforcements from the 128th Infantry Battalion to the central Libyan region to repel any attempts by the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) forces to advance toward the key city of Sirte and al-Jafra air base.

During an inspection tour of the Egyptian armed forces in the western military zone on June 20, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had said that Egypt would not allow the Libyan pro-government forces to cross “Sirte and al-Jafra,” as these constitute a red line for Egypt’s national security. Sisi alluded to military intervention in Libya.

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