Oct 20, 2023. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
Salah Badi, the leader of the Shield Brigade militia in Libya has issued an
ultimatum to the Italian forces stationed at the military base in Misrata.
He demanded that the troops leave the country peacefully, within 48 hours, or face a forcible eviction.
For several years, an Italian military mission has been present within the
Misrata airbase, consisting of over 300 soldiers.
They initially entered Libya under the guise of providing medical aid to
government forces fighting in Sirte in 2016.
Badi appeared in a video during a demonstration with his supporters outside
the Misrata airbase on Wednesday. In the video, he stated that it was
imperative for the Italian soldiers, whom he referred to as “spies,” to depart
from the country.
He regarded their continued presence as “foreign occupation, a violation of
the state’s sovereignty, and a disgrace to the Libyan people.”
He issued a warning to anyone attempting to protect them, referring to the
forces loyal to the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Badi has been on the United Nations Security Council sanctions list since
November 2018.
The withdrawal of foreign military forces from Libya, a move widely
supported by the population, continues to face numerous obstacles and
challenges.
These challenges are fueled by the ongoing political division within the
country between rival factions.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime
leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between
rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.
Al Wasat