On 6 July in the evening, PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba gave a lengthy tv interview in which he reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring state sovereignty through an aggressive security plan targeting armed groups that have overstepped their bounds. He cited a growing threat from these factions, which have allegedly acted independently of the state by importing weapons and amassing power greater than official forces. The government has already initiated legal measures, including 125 arrest warrants.
Dabaiba laid out strict conditions to prevent further conflict, which were unambiguously aimed at Rada. These included handing over all wanted persons to the Attorney General including Osama Najim aka al-Masri (who is wanted by the International Criminal Court and is currently sheltering at Mitiga), placing Mitiga Airport fully under the authority of the Ministry of Transport, handing over all prisons to the regular forces, and permanently dissolving the militias. Dabaiba emphasized that compliance with these demands is non-negotiable, though reintegration into the state remains possible for those who cooperate.
Addressing escalating tensions in Souq al-Jumaa, Dabaiba accused unnamed actors of exploiting the area for tribal disputes. He rejected claims that the security operation was ideologically driven, saying his aim is to confront outlaws rather than any religious group such as ‘Salafists’. He also reiterated support for coordination with the Presidential Council in fighting criminal activity but criticized the council’s unilateral appointment of a new Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) commander. Dabaiba noted that the move would need to be reviewed and aligned with government plans.