On 3 September, the Commander of the Tripoli Military Zone, Abdul Baset Marwan, released a video statement blaming the 444 Brigade for its ‘failure to comply with military orders’ and its ‘attendance of prohibited meetings’ (this is thought to be a reference to a visit by the 444 Brigade Commander Mohammed Hamza to Turkey just days beforehand). Marwan also accused the 444 Brigade of embezzlement. The 444 Brigade reportedly informed Reuters that it was surprised by this statement.