Senior commanders of Al-Bunyan Al-Marsoos Operation and political activists from the city of Misrata held talks in Moscow on Tuesday with officials from Russian state Duma, the Kremlin and Russian envoy to Tripoli over the political and security situations in Libya.

The delegation arrived in Moscow on Monday at the invitation from the Russian government. It included the Chief of Misrata Military Council Brig. Ibrahim Bin Rajab, Sirte Military Governor Brig. Ahmed Bu Shahma, senior Al-Bunyan Al-Marsoos commander Mohammed Essa, former head of Misrata local council Yousif Ben Yousif, and other political activists.

The delegation is also expected to meet officials from the defense and foreign ministries.

In a press conference, senior Al-Bunyan Al-Marsoos commander Mohammed Essa lashed out at the controversial Dignity Operation commander General Khalifa Haftar, saying he only fights for power and military gains.

“Haftar exploits terrorism to brand his opponents as terrorists,” he said.

Political commentator Adel Abdul-Kafi said Russia is trying to play the role of mediator to bridge the gap between rival parties.

Al-Bunyan Al-Marsoos Operation was launched in Sirte on 12 May 2016 and managed to defeat ISIS after 7 months of heavy fighting.