This week, there have been a series of mobilisations in and around the strategic town of al-Shuwayrif in south-western Libya by Libyan National Army (LNA) forces and Tripoli’s 444 Brigade. On 17 August, the 444 Brigade carried out a security operation in al-Shuwayrif against vandalism and sabotage of the Man-Made River Project. On 18 August, LNA forces were reportedly deployed to al-Shuwayrif, with pro-LNA sources claiming that the LNA had deployed its Tariq Bin Ziyad Battalion and 128 Brigade to the area. The following day, the LNA’s 128 Battalion deployed as many as 50 technicals to al-Shuwayrif. As of 20 August, the 128 Battalion, 106 Brigade, and the Tariq Bin Ziyad Battalion were reported to be in control of the area.
