Brigade 93

Brigade 93
Participant in the 2011–2012 Libyan interfactional fighting

Flag of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Active January 2012 - present
Ideology Pro-Gadaffi
Groups Warfalla
Leaders Salem al-Aawar
Headquarters Bani Walid
Area of operations Libya
Originated as Libyan Armed Forces
Opponents Libya National Transitional Council
Battles and wars

Post-civil war violence in Libya

Brigade 93 is one of many militias that formed in the wake of the Libyan Civil War. It is based in Bani Walid, a former stronghold of the Gaddafi regime.[1] The militia is mainly composed of those still loyal to Gaddafi.[2]

The brigade is named after the 1993 attempted coup against Gaddafi by members of the Warfalla tribe. Salem al-Ouaer, a member of the Warfalla tribe who sided with Gaddafi during the coup, is believed to head the militia.

In January 2012, the brigade was involved in the green-revolution in Bani Walid. On 25 of January, their unexpected uprising led to the retreat of the NTC forces from Bani Walid.[3]

Weapons and equipment

The brigade was said to possess heavy weapons, including 106 mm anti-tank guns.[4]

When they took over the May 28 Brigade base, they took heavy equipment, most notably tanks.[5] In this video filmed after the takeover of the base by AFP, at least 4 tanks and a Grad rocket launcher are seen among the equipment captured by the Brigade 93.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Al-Shaheibi, Rami; Michael, Maggie (24 January 2012). "Libya: Gaddafi Loyalists Seize Bani Walid". Huffington Post. Benghazi. Associated Press. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  2. ↑ "Qaddafi loyalists take over Bani Walid". CBS News. Benghazi. Associated Press. 24 January 2012. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  3. ↑ "Gaddafi Loyalists kick the NTC out of Bani Walid".
  4. ↑ "Fighting erupts in Libya's Bani Walid". Al Jazeera. 24 January 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  5. ↑ Holmes, Oliver; Zargoun, Taha (27 January 2012). "INTERVIEW-Libyan commander says will retake Bani Walid". Reuters Africa. Sadada. Reuters. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  6. ↑ "Libye: Bani Walid, ville nostalgique de Kadhafi". AFP (in French). 27 January 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
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