 |
Main Menu
Home
News
Travel
Culture
History
Government
Security
Terrorism
Maps
Videos
Info Resources
USG Info
United Nations
Glossary
Site Map
128th Brigade
Home > Security > LAAF > 128th Bde
The 128th Brigade is located in southwestern Libya. It is loosely affiliatied with the Libyan National Army (LNA) headed by Field Marshal Haftar. The brigade was commanded until late 2024 by Major General Hassan Matouq Al-Zadma.
The brigade is also sometimes referred to as the 128th Reinforced Militia. It is also referred to as the 128th Battalion.The 128th was formed outside of Haftar's alliance in 2016, and since then, it has only been loosely integrated. In January 2025 it was reported that Haftar split the 128th Brigade - renaming its Jufra units the 5th Infantry Brigade and forming the Gardabiyah Brigade to absorb its Sirte units. This restructuring will help to stifle disent by the former commander al-Zadma. 1.
The 128th Brigade (or Battalion) is a significant armed group operating in southwest Libya, reflecting the broader complexities of the country's fragmented military and political landscape. The brigade's influence, composition, and activities are shaped by its geographical location, the strategic importance of southwest Libya, and the ongoing power struggles between rival factions in the country.
Background and Formation
The 128th Brigade is part of the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. The LNA is a coalition of military units, tribal militias, and other armed groups aligned with Haftar's vision of a centralized, militarized state in Libya. The 128th Brigade emerged as one of the LNA's key components in the southwest, a region that is strategically critical due to its proximity to international borders, oil fields, and smuggling routes.
The brigade was established to consolidate LNA control over southern Libya, particularly during Haftar’s military campaigns to extend his influence beyond the eastern stronghold of Benghazi. The creation of the 128th Brigade was part of a broader strategy to secure the Fezzan region, stabilize key urban centers, and counter rival factions, including Islamist militias, tribal forces, and remnants of the Gaddafi regime.
Composition and Structure
The 128th Brigade is composed of a mix of professional soldiers, tribal fighters, and local recruits. Its ranks include individuals from various ethnic and tribal backgrounds, reflecting the diverse demographics of southern Libya. Key groups include:
- Arab Tribes: The Awlad Suleiman and other Arab tribes are heavily represented in the brigade, aligning with the LNA’s broader strategy of leveraging tribal loyalties to build support in the region.
- Tebu and Tuareg Fighters: While the LNA has historically had a complicated relationship with these ethnic groups, the 128th Brigade has managed to integrate some Tebu and Tuareg fighters, particularly for operations near their traditional territories.
- Mercenaries and Foreign Fighters: Like many other Libyan militias, the 128th Brigade has been accused of employing mercenaries from neighboring countries, including Sudan and Chad, to bolster its ranks.
The brigade’s leadership is drawn from individuals loyal to Khalifa Haftar, ensuring its alignment with LNA objectives. Commanders often have military experience from Gaddafi’s era or have risen through the ranks during Libya’s post-2011 conflicts.
Operational Role
The 128th Brigade plays a crucial role in securing and controlling southwest Libya, particularly the Fezzan region. Its primary objectives include:
-
Control of Strategic Areas:
The brigade is responsible for securing key towns and cities, including Sabha, Brak al-Shati, and Ghat. These urban centers are vital for maintaining the LNA’s presence in the region and serve as logistical hubs for military operations. -
Border Security:
Southwest Libya borders Algeria, Niger, and Chad, making it a critical area for controlling cross-border movements. The 128th Brigade is tasked with monitoring and securing these borders, particularly against the flow of arms, militants, and contraband. -
Counterinsurgency Operations:
The brigade conducts operations against rival factions, including Islamist militias, remnants of the Islamic State, and tribal groups opposed to the LNA. These operations often involve clashes in remote desert areas, requiring specialized tactics and equipment. -
Protection of Oil Infrastructure:
The Fezzan region is home to several oil fields, including the Sharara and El Feel fields. The 128th Brigade plays a role in protecting these critical assets, ensuring their continued operation under LNA control. -
Control of Smuggling Routes:
Southern Libya is a hub for smuggling activities, including human trafficking, fuel smuggling, and drug trade. The 128th Brigade has been accused of both combating and participating in these activities, depending on the circumstances and alliances involved.
Key Activities and Campaigns
The 128th Brigade has been involved in several significant military campaigns and operations, including:
-
Securing Sabha (2019):
The brigade played a key role in the LNA’s campaign to take control of Sabha, the largest city in southern Libya. This operation was part of Haftar’s broader push to consolidate power in the Fezzan region, with the 128th Brigade acting as a frontline force. -
Operations Against ISIS:
Southern Libya has been a refuge for ISIS militants and other extremist groups. The 128th Brigade has conducted operations to root out these elements, often in coordination with other LNA units and local tribal forces. -
Conflict with Tribal Militias:
The brigade has frequently clashed with local tribal militias, particularly those aligned with rival political factions or opposed to LNA control. These conflicts often center around access to resources, territorial disputes, and historical grievances.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its importance, the 128th Brigade faces several challenges and controversies:
-
Accusations of Human Rights Violations:
The brigade has been accused of committing abuses against civilians, particularly during operations to secure urban areas. Reports include allegations of arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and forced displacement. -
Tribal Tensions:
The integration of fighters from different tribes and ethnic groups has created internal tensions within the brigade. These divisions sometimes undermine its cohesion and effectiveness. -
Allegations of Smuggling and Corruption:
The 128th Brigade’s involvement in smuggling activities has been a source of controversy. While officially tasked with combating smuggling, elements within the brigade are alleged to have profited from these illegal activities. -
Limited Resources:
Operating in the harsh environment of southern Libya presents logistical challenges, including the need for fuel, water, and supplies. The brigade often struggles to maintain its operations due to these constraints.
Strategic Importance
The 128th Brigade’s activities are critical to the LNA’s broader objectives in Libya. By maintaining control over the southwest, the brigade helps secure vital resources, disrupts rival factions, and strengthens Haftar’s bargaining position in Libya’s political landscape. The region’s proximity to international borders also gives the brigade a role in shaping Libya’s relations with neighboring countries, particularly Niger, Chad, and Algeria.
Relations with Local and International Actors
The 128th Brigade interacts with a range of local and international actors:
-
Local Tribes:
The brigade relies on alliances with local tribes to maintain its influence in the region. These relationships are often transactional, involving negotiations over resources and political support. -
Foreign Powers:
As part of the LNA, the brigade benefits from support from countries like Egypt, the UAE, and Russia, which provide military aid and training to Haftar’s forces. -
Humanitarian Organizations:
The brigade’s control over key areas affects the operations of humanitarian organizations in the region, particularly those providing aid to migrants and internally displaced persons.
Conclusion
The 128th Brigade is a pivotal force in southwest Libya, playing a multifaceted role in the country’s ongoing conflict. Its strategic position, diverse composition, and operational focus make it a key asset for the LNA and a significant player in the region. However, its activities also reflect the challenges of governance, tribal dynamics, and accountability that characterize Libya’s fractured state. As the conflict evolves, the brigade’s actions will continue to shape the trajectory of southwest Libya and the broader national landscape.
References
Twitter, December 29, 2024
https://x.com/jana1964ly/status/1873061107109118077
Haftar has assigned Al-Zadma as deputy to his son Saddam;
looked upon as appeasement for fear of any crack occuring in
the ranks of Haftar's militias.
Twitter, December 24, 2024
https://x.com/jana1964ly/status/1871268687073988810
Endnotes
1. Twitter, Emadeddin Badi, @emad_badi, January 12, 2025
https://x.com/emad_badi/status/1878544946438852877
|
|