Alleged Sabotage Cell in Tripoli Ignites Blame Game Between Libya’s Rival Factions

The dismantling of an alleged sabotage cell in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, has triggered a fresh wave of recriminations between the country’s warring factions, with each side accusing the other of backing the group.

On September 6, the Government of National Unity (GNU) announced the arrest of a cell accused of conducting drone strikes on oil storage facilities and a power station in Tripoli and Zawiya. Since then, authorities have released no further details regarding the investigation into the five Libyans and several foreign nationals detained in connection with the plot.

Allegations have surfaced implicating Saddam Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), in orchestrating the cell. Political analyst Omar Bousaada dismissed these claims as “absurd accusations that no longer deceive anyone.”

The GNU’s Ministry of Defense stated it had also foiled additional plots, including plans to target the South Tripoli power station, other vital infrastructure, and prominent political, security, and military figures.

With the Public Prosecutor’s Office maintaining strict secrecy over the investigation, various public figures have adopted narratives circulated by foreign media outlets, fueling intense political exchanges.

Libyan activist Ahmed Al-Zarrouq asserted that the Tariq Ben Zeyad Brigade, an LNA-affiliated unit, was responsible for the sabotage cell targeting key facilities in Tripoli to manufacture crises in the capital. Al-Zarrouq, a cousin of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, claimed Saddam Haftar directed the cell, which allegedly comprised one Spanish national and four Libyans, publishing their names and assigned roles.

The Alibiya TV Channel, owned by the Al Ghad Media Group and considered close to Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, amplified Al-Zarrouq’s narrative. The channel also cited unnamed sources claiming Tripoli authorities had released the Spanish suspect under pressure from Saddam Haftar.

A security source close to the LNA denied the allegations, telling Asharq Al-Awsat that Libya’s political, military, and security climate is trending toward greater stability and that ending the country’s division through elections is within reach. The source, who requested anonymity due to a lack of authorization to speak to the media, argued that certain factions benefit from division rather than stability. He questioned how such allegations could emerge while military and security leaders in both Benghazi and Tripoli are publicly emphasizing the need to unify the country.

On September 19, Presidential Council Chairman Mohamed Al-Menfi revealed that Libya had formally requested technical, technological, and legal support from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to bolster the investigation into the cell.

Bousaada told Asharq Al-Awsat that “fabricated statements and frivolous accusations have become a trademark of failure” propagated by what he described as “factories of illusion.” He said these entities resort to manipulating narratives and manufacturing scenarios whenever they feel politically marginalized or operationally weakened.

He argued that linking Saddam Haftar to the cell “is not merely false, but a desperate attempt to obscure the reality that his camp is currently operating from a position of strength and possesses genuine negotiating leverage that has secured its presence in major regional and international decision-making capitals.”

In his statement, Al-Menfi said Libya had submitted its request to the ICC Prosecutor’s Office through official diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, to enhance cooperation in the ongoing probe.

Meanwhile, the GNU Ministry of Defense insisted the case remains under the jurisdiction of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and denied any attempt to negotiate with any party regarding the matter. The ministry reaffirmed that investigations are continuing to identify all individuals involved in the sabotage cell and any entities connected to it.

Source link