An armed group from Zintan loyal to the commander of the Western Military Zone of Presidential Council, Osama Jwaili, launched a surprise attack on Abu Kammash Chemical Complex, western Libya, on Friday in a bid to take control of the complex and Ras Ajdir border crossing with Tunisia.

The armed group attacked the complex at around 4am causing some damage to Abu Kammash police station and its vehicles before being repelled by forces from Zuwara.

The residential area of Abu Kammash was evacuated for safety reasons. Ras Ajdir border was also closed.

The Amazigh Supreme Council deplored the attack, warning that “such actions could lead to an ethnic war.”   

On Thursday, Osama Jwaili revealed that his forces are going to launch “an anti-crime operation” in west Libya.