Head of Libyan rival government based in the East, Abdullah Al-Thinni travelled Monday to Cairo to marshal Egypt’s military support for the affiliated army attempting to retake two oil terminals taken several days ago by the Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB) said supported by the UN-backed Government of National Accord.
For Thinni, Egypt’s support was “urgent”, Libya Herald reports.
The Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar and Thinni lost 11 days ago control of Ras Lanuf and Sidra oil terminals to the BDB, forces opposed to Haftar.
Despite heavy shelling and forces mobilisation, the LNA has not managed to retake the terminals.
Although Cairo has been lending support for the LNA and supplying arms and equipment to the Libyan self-style army commander Haftar, Thinni received a cold shoulder in Cairo and failed to be received by Egypt’s Defense Minister Sedki Sobhy, according to Libya Herald.
The BDB reportedly blamed Cairo for pounding its position around the two oil export terminals.
Thinni’s visit followed Haftar’s flying visit to Cairo last week. The reasons of Haftar’s trip were not spelled out, but it is reported that Cairo is at odds with the army commander. Cairo accuses Haftar of starting another front though the fight against terrorists in Benghazi is not over.
