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UN-Backed Forces in Libya Seize Major Airbase

VOA News

   Forces loyal to Libya's internationally recognized government have
   seized a major airbase south of Tripoli from rival forces who have been
   trying to take over Libya for more than a year.

   A top military commander says the Tripoli-based Government of National
   Accord (GNA) has complete control of al-Watiya airbase. Observers call
   this a huge setback for commander Khalifa Haftar and his Libyan
   National Army (LNA).

   The commander says GNA forces captured a Russian-made Pantsir air
   defense system mounted on a truck and posted video of what he says is
   the destruction of a second Pantsir system from the air.

   "Today's victory does not constitute the end of the battle but brings
   us closer than any time before to the bigger victory, the liberation of
   all towns and regions and bases," Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj said
   late Monday.

   The LNA is calling its withdrawal a tactical maneuver. It insists
   al-Watiya has no military importance and that any equipment left behind
   is old and useless.

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