Libya.. Armed Convoys Head to Tripoli After Security Official's Kidnapping

Libya.. Armed Convoys Head to Tripoli After Security Official's Kidnapping
Rising tension in Tripoli indicates potential transformation of security official's kidnapping into armed conflict between local components
November 12, 2024, 9:32 pm

ليبيا

The repercussions of Brigadier General Mustafa Al-Wahishi's kidnapping, director of Central Security Administration in the Libyan Intelligence Service, continue with rapid developments on the ground.

Activists shared footage on social media platforms Tuesday showing heavily armed military convoy movements from the Zintan area toward the capital Tripoli, amid warnings of potential armed clashes.

Sources reported that these military reinforcements belong to the "Western Mountain Military Zone" under the command of Major General Osama Al-Juwaili, heading toward the Al-Aziziya area south of the capital, according to local media.

The crisis stems from Al-Wahishi's kidnapping, who hails from Zintan city, last Wednesday while heading to his residence after finishing work in Tripoli. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping or revealed the brigadier's fate, though accusations have been directed at the Government of National Unity.

Anger erupted among Zintan residents and components following the kidnapping incident, with armed groups declaring general mobilization, threatening to stop oil pumping through the "Rayan" line connecting the country's north and south unless Al-Wahishi is released.

These groups hinted at expected escalatory steps, while several young people organized a protest in front of the government headquarters in Tripoli, demanding clarification about Al-Wahishi's fate, who has been kidnapped for six days.

The military equipment being transported from Zintan to Tripoli has sparked fear among Libyans of the use of force and potential retaliatory responses from Zintan militants over Al-Wahishi's detention.

Levant-Agencies

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