Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli declared a state of emergency and mobilization in the north-central city of Sirte.
The decision came after forces of east Libya-based commander Khalifa Haftar, known as the Libyan National Army, reportedly move forward to the southern outskirt of the city.
All troops of the militia connected to the UN-backed unity government were called to duty, said a statement from the security and protection force in Sirte, affiliated to the GNA.
“Any attack on the city will mean a declaration of war and its consequences will turn into a disaster,” said the statement, adding that Haftar’s forces took provocative steps recurrently.
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Meanwhile, some activist posted videos on social media showing armed men loyal to Haftar patrolling at the southern gate of the city.
Libya has remained dogged by turmoil since 2011 when a bloody NATO-backed uprising led to the death of longstanding leader Muammar Gaddafi after four decades in power.
Since then, Libya’s stark political divisions have yielded two rival seats of power — one in Tobruk (to which Haftar is affiliated) and another in Tripoli — and a host of heavily-armed militia groups.
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