Incident Code

LQ049

Location

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Al Butnan, Libya

Geolocation

29.3223255, 24.7302246
Accuracy: Subdistrict

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: LQ048)

According to Reuters and local sources, Egyptian airstrikes destroyed 12 vehicles allegedly carrying weapons and explosives near the border between Libya and Egypt.

The sources were conflicted as to whether the incident took place inside Libya or Egypt, with most of them stating it was in Libya.

However, Libya Herald noted the following: “The Egyptian air force claims to have destroyed a convoy of trucks laden with weapons as it crossed from Libya south of the Siwa oasis between the Qattara Depression and the Egyptian Sand Sea in the Western Desert. It posted footage said to show the airstrikes going in on Tuesday as the convoy moved apparently slowly through a remote desert area. A military spokesman in Cairo said that the 12 vehicles had been hit when they were some 60 kilometres inside Egypt. He said the airstrikes had been ordered as part of an intelligence-led operation. After the air attack, ground forces were said to be pursuing the survivors. The Egyptians have revealed nothing about the identity of those in the convoy. However, the suspicion is that whether they were militants or just smugglers, the weapons, explosives and ammunition in the trucks were ultimately destined for terrorists based in Sinai.”

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the subdistrict of Libyan-Egyptian border (الحدود الليبية المصرية), for which the generic coordinates are: 29.3223255, 24.7302246. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

Egyptian Military Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Egyptian Military
Egyptian Military position on incident
Not yet assessed