Gulf of Sidra Offensive (2017)
The Gulf of Sidra Offensive was an offensive of the Second Libyan Civil War. It was launched by the Benghazi Defense Brigades on 3 March 2017, and initially resulted in them taking control of a strip of coastal territory between the towns of Nofaliya and Ras Lanuf, which was then handed over to the Government of National Accord. A number of significant oil ports are located in this area, sometimes referred to as the Oil Crescent. The loss of the Oil Crescent was perceived by analysts as a major blow to the power of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
Gulf of Sidra Offensive (2017) | |||||||
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Part of the Second Libyan Civil War | |||||||
Map of the initial GNS offensive. GNS gains were later reversed. | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Supported by: Government of National Accord (After 7 March)
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Supported by: | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Brig. Mustafa al-Shirksi Idris Bukhamada (After 7 March) | Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar |
On 14 March, the LNA recaptured all positions lost to the Benghazi Defence and Misratan Brigades in a counter-offensive after several days of aerial bombardment.