On 18 September, Jadhran’s Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) (and in theory GNA-affiliated) forces launched a counter attack against the Ras Lanuf and Sidra oil ports, with the support of anti-Haftar Islamist militias. The LNA succeeded in repelling the counter attack the same day, and the LNA pursued the remaining fighters more than 50 km west of Sidra, past the town of Bin Jawwad into Harawah, which is only 50 km east of Sirte. A number of PFG fighters reportedly gave up in Harawah and agreed to turn themselves in to the LNA after local tribesmen from Awlad Suleiman guaranteed them a fair trial. The LNA were also able to seize ammunition and vehicles left behind by forces escaping into the desert.
On 15 September, the UN Envoy Martin Kobler was informed by Misratan officials and city representatives, in a visit to the city, that Misrata will not go to war to support Jadhran against the LNA, and that they are committed to consensus.
The Grand Mufti on 18 September urged ‘the faithful’ to reunite in rejection of the UN-backed unity government.