Benghazi— Eight soldiers have been confirmed killed in a “security operation” in southern Libya’s Qatrun region last week. The Libyan National Army (LNA) General Command said on Thursday that the operation was carried out by the Special Operations Force of the Chief of Staff of the Land Forces (SOFCSLF).
The SOFCSLF held a memorial service for the eight soldiers and said in statement that the soldiers “were martyred while performing their national duty in confronting criminal gangs that threaten the security of the homeland”.
Top military and political leaders to part in the memorial. It also said that the operation in Qatrun ended and the security of the region are now being taken care of by the military police and prison administration officials.
“Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Land Forces, mourned the martyrs of the armed forces who were martyred in the operations of pride and honor that targeted the dens of mercenaries and human traffickers in the south,” a statement on SOFCSLF’s Facebook platform said.
The Joint Military Committee “5+5” mourned the eight martyrs and expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to their families, saying they sacrificed their lives in defense of the security and stability of Libya.
On Wednesday, local media reported that armed clashes broke out in the city of Qatrun between the LNA and armed groups of the Chadian opposition loyal to Saleh Abdel Karim Habre supported by a local armed group.
On Tuesday, talks held between the LNA and the Chadian opposition mediated by Sheikh Zelawi Meana from Tabu tribes. The clashes broke out when the Chadian opposition refused to withdraw from some areas near Qatrun.
“The armed forces affirm that the sacrifices of the martyrs will remain a beacon that illuminates the path of duty, and that the response to their pure blood will be to continue the war on crime and protect Libya’s security and sovereignty with all strength and determination,” the statement said.
