The Government of National Accord’s (GNA) push into Sirte risks triggering a broader conflict, as Egypt warns the city is off limits to the Tripoli administration. GNA forces are pushing to follow up their advantage following the collapse of the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) siege of Tripoli in May. The National Oil Corp. (NOC) issued a statement condemning the presence of Russia’s Wagner Group, in addition to Syrian and Sudanese mercenaries, at various oil installations. As the GNA pushes further towards Sirte, though, Egypt has said that it sees Sirte as a red line. Verisk Maplecroft’s North Africa researcher Hamish Kinnear said that should Sirte and Jufra fall to the GNA, it would be a “disaster” for Haftar and the LNA.

Source: Libya Today July 20, 2020 14:02 UTC