On 13 January, the Commander of Southern Operations and Sabha Military Region Rooms, Major General al-Mabrouk Sahban, revealed that LNA forces have launched a military campaign to secure the South. According to Sabhan, the campaign is aimed at targeting drug trafficking, smuggling, illegal immigration and the spread of armed groups. The second phase of the plan is to tackle illegal fuel stations, but the LNA said that this phase will not start until subsidized fuel is available at all stations licensed by the Libyan state. Sabhan made claims regarding the corruption of fuel distribution depots in Sebha and said that the LNA forces are upping their engagement in the Murzuq Basin, adding that meetings with municipalities in the area have been held to reach ‘comprehensive settlements’.
