Mayors of municipalities, military councils, and security chambers in the coastal and mountain region have announced the formation of a joint military force to protect the region from any potential attack by the forces of Haftar.

The state bodies confirmed in a statement after a meeting held in the city of Zawiya on Sunday that the joint force would serve as a nucleus of a defending force for the entire region.

They also warned of a harsh response towards any attack on the cities in their areas.

"The force will strike with an iron fist anyone who intends to destabilize the region," the statement read.

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