Benghazi Update: Hawari Control Map
In recent weeks, the Hawari area of southern Benghazi has been a major focus for Libyan National Army (LNA) forces intent on clearing rival Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries (SCBR) forces from the city. LNA Tank Battalion 204, backed by local Salafist volunteer forces of the Tawheed al-Salafiya Battalion, have retaken ground in Hawari, which lies on the road between the Benghazi airport and southern Benghazi neighborhoods contested by SCBR rebels. During this month-long effort LNA forces have secured a large portion of the neighborhood and as of 09 September are preparing to advance on the Benghazi Cement Plant, a major SCBR strongpoint. If successful, the takeover of Hawari would further isolate SCBR forces in other neighborhoods of the city, including Leithi to the east and near the Mreissa port the Nakheel village areas to the southwest. In addition, the capture of Hawari would enable the LNA to redeploy both the 204 Tank Battalion’s armored vehicles and tanks and supporting Tawheed al-Salafiya Battalion’s troops to reinforce other fronts in the city.
Timeline of Events (August-September 2015):
05 August: 204 Battalion clears the al-Asayil Resort [Analyst Note: location is unclear, although likely north of the Hospital]
24 August: LNA seizes Nadi al-Furousiya (Equestrian Club), the Safsafa Farms area, and the al-Abraq Project.
30–31 August: LNA forces advanced to the crossroads at the Man-Made River Project Authority and continued forward towards the 7 April Hospital, which served as a SCBR strategic command center.
03 September: LNA forces storm the Ear Nose and Throat Center section of the April 7 Hospital.
04 September: LNA claims full control over the Hospital and the Phillipines Company west of the Hospital Complex.
07 September: The Libyan Air Force conducts heavy aerial bombardment against SCBR forces at the Cement Factory and the surrounding area.
09 SEP: LNA claims fighting is ongoing in the Sidi Faraj neighborhood of Benghazi and that LNA forces currently control over 70% of the area.
SOURCES: (LNA Statement)(LNA Video and Statement)(Libya Channel)(LNA Twitter)(Akhbar Libya 24)(al-Wasat)(Akhbar Libya)(Akhbar Libya 24)(Twitter)(LNA Facebook)(Afrigate)(Libya Akhbar) (Twitter)(Twitter) (Akhbar Libya 24)(Afrigate)(Akhbar Libya 24)(Afrigate)(Libyan News 1)(Afrigate)(Twitter)(LNA Facebook)
