A United Nations official on Wednesday condemned violations of an existing ban on arms trade in Libya by both parties.
Acting U.N. envoy to Libya Stephanie Williams said that about 70 resupply flights had landed in eastern airports since July 8 to strengthen forces loyal to strongman Khalifa Haftar while 30 flights had been dispatched to western Libya to help forces loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).
In addition to the resupply flights, about 12 cargo ships have reportedly docked in Libya, nine in the west and three in the east.
Williams described the events as an “alarming breach of Libya’s sovereignty” and a “blatant violation of the UN arms embargo.”
Williams further accused foreign powers of “fortifying their assets” in the conflict which broke out in April 2019 when Haftar’s forces launched an offensive to try and take Tripoli.
However, the GNA, with support from Turkey, managed to fight them off and force them to retreat in June. The LNA, on its part, has been backed by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Russia.
An escalation of hostilities had been expected as forces from both sides mobilized around the strategic city of Sirte, where the fighting has stopped.
Williams said the presence of foreign mercenaries and operatives in the country will only further complicate any chances of future settlements.
Last month, Libya’s rival governments issued separate statements announcing an immediate ceasefire in what was the first deal between both sides since one in 2015.
