Western Libya campaign

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Attack in West Libya and the Battle of Tripoli (2019-2020)

The attack in western Libya, also known as the Western Libya campaign, was a military operation initiated by the Libyan army on April 4, 2019. The operation aimed to conquer Tripolitania and West Libya, with the ultimate goal of capturing the capital city of Tripolipolis. This conflict marked the Second Civil War in Libya, which began after the overthrow and death of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The fighting process involved various factions vying for control of the region. The Libyan army, representing the House of Representatives, launched an attack on western Libya to occupy the western region. After six days of fierce battles, the forces of Khafair arrived close to Tripoli and even ruled parts of Peru, putting a siege on the city.

The conflict gained international attention due to foreign interventions. On December 23, 2019, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that large parts of the maritime area between Turkey and Libya belonged to Turkey to prevent Israel's gas pipeline from being established in Greece and Cyprus. This statement was made after passing through Turkey's Great National Assembly, which allowed troops to be sent to Libya.

In January 2020, Turkish forces began deploying military units to Libya under the pretext of achieving peace and stability. However, this move was met with skepticism by some observers. On January 6, 2020, the army forces of Khafair conquered the city of Cyrce, which had been a stronghold for Gaddafi.

The conflict also saw the arrival of Syrian fighters in support of the Libyan National Unity Government (GNA). According to sources, these fighters would receive $2000 per month compared to $90 in Syria. The Syrian fighters were reportedly supported financially by Turkey and arrived with the help of the Tripoli government on March 30, 2020.

The Coronavirus pandemic also affected Libya during this period. In March 2020, the forces of the Tripoli government, along with the Syrian fighters, launched a counterattack under the name "Operation Volcan de la Colère." Despite various phases of calm and undecided fighting, the battle for control of Tripoli continued until June 2020.

The conflict was marked by foreign implications, including support from Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. The United Nations arms embargo was also openly violated during this period.