On 18 August, the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) 128 Brigade reiterated its mission to combating organized crime, eliminate gangs involved in human trafficking and contraband, and secure the southern borders of the Libyan state, noting on 18 August that it is conducting military patrols from Jufra to Sebha then to Murzuq and Qatrun as well as to Awbari and the al-Feel oilfield.
On 19 August, violent clashes erupted between the 128 Brigade and illegal traffickers near gold mines on the Chadian-Libyan border. The traffickers are reportedly engaged in illegal gold mining in Kalanga, a border region. The 128 Brigade named four members of the brigade who were killed ‘while confronting criminal gangs on the Libyan border.’ There are conflicting reports about the involvement of Chadian rebels. Some sources suggest their presence, while others deny any involvement of Chadian armed movements. However, it seems clear that Chadians were involved in the clashes, whether as militias or traffickers.