Ajdabiya Situation Update: 20–21 February
LNA “Liberates” City from Islamist Insurgents
- 20 FEB: LNA forces backed by Tawhid al-Salafiya Battalion and local youth seized the al-Qalouz Neighborhood of Ajdabiya, and clashed with Ajdabiya Shura Council (ASC) forces in the Industrial (الصناعية) neighborhood. (Afrigate)(Akhbar Libya 24)(Afrigate)(Afrigate)(LNA Statement)(Libyan News)(LNA Statement)(Libyan News)(Afrigate)(LNA Source)
2. 20 FEB: LNA and allied forces including 7 October Neighborhood fighters from western Ajdabiya and “Shabab of King Idriss” fighters from Suluq stormed the home of an ASC leader, Abriq Mazaq al-Masri, on on al-Qalouz Street, killing a number of ASC fighters in the process and arresting two ASL fighters. The brother of al-Masri, Mazin Younis al-Masri (allegedly an IS leader) was also killed in the fighting. A House-borne Improvised Explosive Device (HBIED) exploded on al-Qalouz street during the operations on the street, causing several light injuries. (Afrigate)(Akhbar Libya 24)(Afrigate)(Afrigate)(LNA Statement)(Libyan News)(LNA Statement)(Libyan News)(Afrigate)(LNA Source)
3. 20 FEB: Fighting continued near the Free School (المدرسة الحرة), the Hassan al-Burani School (حسن البراني), the Fateh al-Islami Mosque on Tripoli Street, and Istanbul Street. Separately, a Tawhid al-Salafiya commander named Hamdan was killed during clashes in the Industrial Neighborhood. (Afrigate)(Akhbar Libya 24)(Afrigate)(Afrigate)(LNA Statement)(Libyan News)(LNA Statement)(Libyan News)(Afrigate)(LNA Source)
4. 21 FEB: LNA forces continue to secure the city of Ajdabiya and now control the Chinese Company, South Gate and Flour Factory in the Industrial neighborhood. They also raided the home of al-Kilani Bawathara, a AQIM leader affiliated with the Ajdabiya Shura Council. The raid did not capture Bawathara, but two IS fighters from Nowfaliya were arrested. LNA Ajdabiya Operations Room spokesman, Akram Buhaliqa claimed that the city is now “fully liberated.” (Afrigate)(Akhbar Libya 24)(Afrigate)(Akhbar Libya 24)(Libya 24 TV)(Akhbar Libya 24)(Akhbar Libya 24)(Libya’s Channel)(Libya 24 TV)
