Libyan Chaos…Hundreds of Groups Run “Statelets” with Cross-Border Targets

Tripoli- In a series of episodes, Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper observes the complications of Libyan civil war and the chaos, which resulted in the emergence of hundreds of groups that lead “statelets” with cross-border targets.

Despite attempts by International Community and various Libyan parties to put an end to the security chaos the country is enduring, challenges seem to be more than just meetings, dialogues and political solutions. There are forces led by groups that could drag the country into civil war.

The danger lies in about five paramilitary groups that are spread in specific geographic areas and that enjoy good funding and armament as they have intelligence and security devices similar to those known in the countries. Nevertheless, what stirred this problem and resulted in its persistence were the warlords, thieves, militias, and battalions that emerged after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

In contrast, the national army, led by Gen. Khalifa Haftar suffers from a lack of back up for equipment and soldiers, especially when facing extremists who are holed up in the capital and several other cities.

The first episode tackles the areas close to the oil fields, especially Ajdabiya and Ras Lanuf that include warlords, ISIS militants and federalists. Some of the Libyans call these areas “Ajdabiyan Ghosts” after they caused panic in oil fields and oil export ports.