Since SRSG Hanna Tetteh presented UNSMIL’s new Libya roadmap to the UN Security Council on 21 August (which notably includes provision for a new, unified government), mobilisations by pro-Dabaiba groups and shows of force around Tripoli have been intensifying.
On 26 August, an Amazigh militia led by Adel Gloss al-Sifaw aka al-Shita (‘Cheetah’) staged a show of force with about 20 armed pick-ups in the vicinity of Tripoli International Airport, south of Tripoli. Some days before, al-Shita had allied with the Zintani-led Public Security Force, which supports Government of National Unity (GNU) PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba.
On 27 August, there were several reports about military movements in and around Tripoli. Convoys with armed pickups moved west from Misrata towards Tajoura (an area at the eastern edge of Tripoli and directly east of Mitiga airport) along the Coastal Road and towards Asbi’ah-Tripoli International Airport via Tarhouna. In Tajoura, a number of pro-Dabaiba militias mobilized their members. In Tripoli, troops loyal to the PM deployed at several locations at and around al-Sikka Road and other places. During the night, surveillance drones operated over key areas of the capital and its surroundings.
In the evening, members of the pro-Dabaiba (Misrata) Joint Operations Force attacked a facility of the 461st Infantry Battalion / Conflict Resolution Force in Misrata and stole several vehicles and military equipment. Mohammed al-Hussan, commander of the Conflict Resolution Force, warned that his troops would withdraw from the lines of conflict in Tripoli and return to their bases in Misrata if the stolen vehicles and equipment are not returned immediately.
After several elders from Misrata and the Western Region declared their solidarity with the Conflict Resolution Force and urged al-Hussan to continue to monitor the ceasefire, al-Hussan agreed to keep his troops in place. He reassured the people of Tripoli and Libya in general that the Conflict Resolution Force will remain at the forefront of peace efforts.
Throughout 28 August, additional troops from Misrata deployed to Tripoli. Some more militias moved from Ghariyan to southern Tripoli. Some militias from Zawiyya prepared to deploy to Tripoli in order to support Rada. A couple of hundred people blocked a main street in Tajoura, rejecting the aggression of Misrata militias against Tripoli. They said that they will not allow any armed force to enter their city.
Also on 28 August, Libyan Army Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Muhammed al-Haddad held a meeting with the members of the Ceasefire Implementation and Stabilization Committee, discussing recent developments and the heightened tensions in the capital.
During 29 August, additional troops from Misrata and from the Western Military Region arrived in the outskirts of Tripoli.
On 30 August, deployments towards Tripoli continued, particularly from Misrata and Zawiyya.
On 31 August, more troops from Misrata were deployed to the capital area.