In the wake of the violence in Tripoli, the Libyan National Army (LNA) deployed additional troops to Sirte amid claims that the LNA had infiltrated protests in the capital.
On 14 May in the morning, the General Command of the LNA declared a state of alert and deployed additional troops to the west of Sirte.
On 15 May, the Misrata Military Council issued a statement asserting that certain protests calling for the Dabaiba government’s removal are not genuine but are instead aligned with Khalifa Haftar. The council described these Tripoli demonstrations as ‘fabricated’ and fueled by ‘mercenary agendas and directed media’ with the aim of destabilizing security.
Social media accounts circulated a video purporting to show a demonstration in support of LNA commander Khalifa Haftar in the capital Tripoli. According to CNN Arabic, the video is five years old and was not filmed in Tripoli, but in Benghazi’s al-Zaytouna district on 24 April 2020.
On 16 May, the Baltris Youth Movement cautioned against ‘suspicious’ attempts by Khalifa Haftar affiliated groups to exploit Tripoli’s popular movement and deviate it from its national goals. They asserted these groups aim to redirect demonstrations towards military and media agendas unrelated to protesters’ demands for better living conditions and an end to corruption. While supporting peaceful protest, the movement warned against involving the public in conflicts that benefit forces of war and chaos, stressing that those involved in coups and wars cannot represent the voice of free Libyans.
On 17 May, the LNA demanded the cancellation of all festive events in Benghazi in order to mourn the victims of the clashes in Tripoli.