Libya: GNA holds 35 Egyptian fishermen in detention since November

The UN-backed Government National Accord (GNA) has arrested 35 Egyptian fishermen who are reportedly in custody since November last year.
The detainees, most of whom hail from the Egyptian city of Kafr El-Sheikh, were arrested while working on Libyan boats affiliated to the east-based government, Arab News reports citing Ahmed Nassar, the head of the Fishermen’s Syndicate in the Egyptian city.

The GNA has not brought any charges against the men who according Egyptian authorities are allegedly held in Turmina Prison, controlled by the Tripoli-based government.

Families of the fishermen have called on Cairo to help secure their release.
The GNA and its east-based rival have been embroiled in a conflict over the control of the oil-rich North African country. Backed by Egypt, UAE, France, Russia and the US, the east-based government led by retired Gen. Khalifa Haftar, launched a military offensive on Tripoli in April last year with the aim of toppling the GNA.

Turkey entered into the conflict late last year by bringing military and logistical support to the UN-endorsed administration, which managed to roll back Haftar’s offensive.

Both sides are locked in a self-imposed truce after Russia and Egypt warned GNA forces against further advances and takeover of the coastal city of Sirte where Russian mercenaries backing Haftar have reportedly retreated.