On 11 February, the Libyan Army’s West Coast Military District announced the beginning of military operations in the city of Zuwara ‘as part of the decisive action to eradicate organized crime dens and confront outlaws.’
The 105th Battalion and the 62nd Brigade launched intensive raids targeting organized crime gangs involved in illegal fuel smuggling, human trafficking and illegal immigration, which pose a direct threat to national security and sovereignty. The operation will continue ‘until the criminal hotbeds are completely eliminated and the region is cleansed of all criminal activity.’ The West Coast Military District called on all citizens to cooperate with the military and report any suspicious movements.
In the late afternoon, troops of the West Coast Military District raided illegal fuel depots and distribution warehouses in the vicinity of Abu Kammash (between Zuwara and the Ras Ajdir border crossing). The forces seized hundreds of thousands of litres of gasoline and diesel stored in part in huge underground tanks that were used to monopolize fuel sales and smuggle fuel into Tunisia. The workers operating these sites were arrested, all of whom are foreign nationals who are illegally in Libya. Most of the fuel was confiscated, but some smaller stores were also set on fire. A number of fuel traders escaped towards the border when the troops approached their sites.
The Military Council of Zuwara ordered all troops to report immediately to their military units and to raise the state of alert. In a statement, the council called on all members of the armed forces to stand united against what it described as an attack on the city.
On 12 February, the 105th Battalion, the 62nd Brigade, and elements of the Military Police raided several more illegal fuel depots and distribution sites in Zuwara and the surrounding areas. A number of smugglers were arrested. On 13 February, the Commander of the West Coast Military Police Ali al-Zeeb carried out a field tour in Zuwara, including downtown and the port area, and talked with West Coast Military District troops as well as with local security authorities. Al-Zeeb also visited the Ras Ajdir border crossing.
In the following days, several more illegal fuel depots and distribution sites in the Zuwara – Abu Kammash area were raided and more smugglers were arrested, most of them foreigners. Huge quantities of fuel were confiscated.