President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi stressed Cairo’s rejection of all forms of foreign interference in Libya’s domestic affairs during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, according to a statement from the Egyptian Presidency.
Al-Sisi emphasised Egypt’s stance in support of Libya’s unity, stability, and security, adding that Egypt supports efforts exerted by the Libyan National Army (LNA) to counter-terrorist organisations.
The president clarified also the importance of uprooting terrorist organisations that pose threats to the security of both Libya and the Mediterranean region
Both leaders confirmed the importance of the UN’s demands for a ceasefire in the war-torn country, and to resume negotiations between the conflicting sides, primary the LNA and the Government of National Accord (GNA).
The French president affirmed the importance of resolving the Libyan crisis, which he said represents a risk towards the security of the whole region.
The phone call comes as Libya continues to witness a tug of war over power in Tripoli through clashes that started in April between the LNA and the GNA.
In southern Libyan town of Murzuq on Sunday, dozens of people were reportedly killed in airstrikes allegedly carried out by the LNA, according to Murzuq’s municipal council member Mohamed Omar who told Reuters that “The airstrike resulted in 43 killed and 51 wounded. This is only an initial toll of casualties.”
Reuters added that the LNA forces have confirmed a strike late on Sunday on the town, but denied they had targeted any civilians.
Libya observer, a Tripoli-based online news source, reported that the airstrikes started after armed men from Tubu tribe had stormed into Megaryef neighbourhood with armoured vehicles, opened heavy artillery fire which causes material damage to the neighbourhood.
Moreover, there are contradiction reports about the identity of the casualties, as some pro-GNA media agency said that the attack targeted a wedding procession. However, other pro-LNA media reported that the strikes targeted “Chadian gangs’ den and destroyed their military vehicles in the 17 districts in Murzuq.”
