20 February – 26 February: LNA claimed to have taken control of Murzuq

Feb 26, 2019 | Libyan actors

On 20 February, the Libyan National Army (LNA) claimed to have taken control of Murzuq after clashes with the South Protection Force (SPF). However, the LNA withdrew from the city that evening. Clashes resumed for the following two days, with the LNA taking control of the strategic locations of Murzuq castle, army barracks, municipal building and Martyrs Square by 22 February. On 23 February, Riot Police and Central Security were handed security responsibility in Murzuq as LNA forces progressed toward the broader Murzuq area, with clashes continuing to erupt between the LNA and SPF. On 24 February, LNA units from the 106 Brigade and the Khalid bin Walid Battalion deployed to Murzuq to support clearing operations.

On 21 February, the Libyan National Army (LNA) announced that it had taken over the security of al-Feel oilfield without any fighting. It has been reported that negotiations were undertaken with Zintani and other local forces who were securing the field.  The LNA has claimed it has started the process of handing over the security of the field to the Petroleum Facilities Guard. The National Oil Corporation (NOC), which operates the field in conjunction with Italy’s Eni, has expressed concern over the situation in the field.

On 23 February, the LNA’s Tariq bin Zayed Battalion was involved in clashes in the Umm al-Aranib area against Chadian militias. On 24 February, the Khalid bin Walid Battalion mobilised to Umm al-Aranib to support LNA forces preparing for an assault on the Chinese Building Complex.