Battle of Gharyan (2019)

The Battle of Gharyan, which unfolded from April 2019 to June 2019, was a significant conflict in the ongoing struggle for control in Libya. The opposing forces were the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by General Khalifa Haftar, and the Government of National Accord (GNA), headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.

Battle of Gharyan
Part of Libyan civil war (2014-2020)
Date 4 April 2019-26 June 2019 Location Gharyan, Libya Result GNA victory
Belligerents
House of Representatives  France	Government of National Accord
Commanders and leaders
Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar (LNA supreme commander)	Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj (head of Presidential Council)
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Dozens killed 18 Captured	Unknown

Initial Offensives

The offensive commenced on April 4, 2019, with the LNA capturing Gharyan on the first day.^[1][2] Subsequently, on April 8, 2019, reports from Libya al-Ahrar TV, as cited by The Libya Observer, indicated the arrival of a team of French "military experts" in Gharyan.^[3] These experts reportedly established a control room to monitor the attack on Tripoli, suggesting international involvement in the conflict.^[4]

On April 10, the GNA reported launching airstrikes on LNA targets within Gharyan.^[5] By April 15, the LNA military information division announced the arrival of "large reinforcements" in LNA-controlled Gharyan, signaling preparations for an intensified assault on the capital, Tripoli.^[6]

Haftar's advances and GNA counterattacks

On May 13, the GNA declared that Haftar's forces had gained control over Tripoli airport and secured full control over Gharyan. However, the GNA air force continued to target these areas.^[7] On June 26, the GNA claimed the recapture of Gharyan, citing the deaths of numerous LNA soldiers in the town and the capture of at least 18 others.^[8][9] GNA's air force further targeted LNA convoys withdrawing from the area.^[10]

Between 20 and 29 August 2019, the LNA made several unsuccessful attempts to recapture Gharyan.^[11] The GNA, on the other hand, claimed on October 7 that UAE's drones had carried out attacks in Gharyan, south of the capital Tripoli.^[12]

References

1. Wintour, Patrick (2019-04-04). "Libyan strongman orders troops to march on Tripoli". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
2. "Tripoli prepares after Haftar orders troop advance". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
3. "UNSMIL says still working in Tripoli as France denies supporting Haftar's war | The Libya Observer". libyaobserver.ly. 2024-02-19. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
4. "French President telephones Sarraj after alleged link of his country in Tripoli war | The Libya Observer". libyaobserver.ly. 2022-12-26. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
5. "#Libya Air Force conducts airstrikes on military targets for eastern invaders of warlord Khalifa Haftar in the mountain city of Gharyan". @LibyaObserver. 10 April 2019.
6. "LNA new reinforcements arrive in Gharian to participate in Tripoli liberation – The Libyan Address Journal". 2019-04-15. Archived from the original on 2019-04-15. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
7. ex_admin (2019-05-13). "Libyan Air Force targets Haftar's forces in Tripoli Airport and Gharyan positions". Libyan Express. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
8. "'Big loss': Libya's UN-recognised government retakes key town". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
9. "Timeline: Haftar's months-long offensive to seize Tripoli". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
10. Wintour, Patrick (2019-06-27). "Libyan government forces capture key town from warlord". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
11. "Libya's east-based army says clashes kill 12 gov't troops near Gharyan - Xinhua | English.news.cn". www.xinhuanet.com. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
12. "UAE Libya Attack | Is UAE Making Libya an Emerging Yemen?". 2019-10-23. Archived from the original on 2019-10-23. Retrieved 2024-02-21.