The Coastal Security Support Company issued a statement criticizing what it described as the “media play” announced by the government regarding strikes carried out in Zuwara port, considering it an attempt to cover up failure and rampant corruption within state institutions.
Accusations of the Government Misleading Public Opinion
The company stated in its statement that the government “boasts before the media as if it has achieved a great victory,” while in reality—according to the statement—”it has done nothing but produce a new media scene to distract citizens from the public debt that has exceeded 300 billion dinars, the suspicious deals of the Arnco company, and the millions spent on militia leaders to ensure their hold on power, alongside the chaos and inability to pay salaries.”
Accusations of Targeting Civilians Instead of Smugglers
The statement indicated that the government is trying to appear before the international community as if it is combating irregular immigration, while in reality, it targets civilians. It clarified that the recent strikes on Zuwara port “did not reach the real smugglers, but rather hit civilian fishing boats and two Coast Guard boats,” which led to injuries among civilians, some of whom are in critical condition.
Holding the Government Responsible for Escalation
The company asserted that what is happening is “systematic deception to polish a failed image,” noting that all previous strikes on the city came with the same timing, method, and “poor execution.” It also held the government fully responsible for targeting civilians and for policies that threaten the country’s stability. The statement pointed out that “individuals from within the city provided false information and coordinates” that contributed to the execution of these operations.
Affirmation of Continuing National Duty
The Coastal Security Support Company concluded its statement by affirming its continuation in performing its national duty to protect the coast and the security of citizens, and its rejection of what it described as “falsifying facts and trading in the blood of Libyans.”