On 16 July, a brief but very fierce firefight took place between a 444 Brigade patrol and forces of the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) 177th Battalion in an area to the west of Wadi al-Shatti, north of Adiri. 444 had reportedly opened fire after being stopped by LNA forces and told to turn back. There were dead and wounded on both sides. Several vehicles were destroyed. The 444 patrol approached from the north from the Jebel al-Hasawina area and retreated north again after the battle. The following day, the 444 confirmed a skirmish with a ‘gang of smugglers’ in southern Libya. According to the 444, six “non-Libyan” smugglers were killed and three arrested. Two members of Force 444 were wounded. Sources from the LNA also confirmed the fight. However, it is claimed that the 177th Battalion repulsed the 444 Force.
