Sumood Convoy gives up drive to Gaza border and calls on Haftar's forces to release detainees
The convoy's spokesperson, Wael Nawar, explained that the decision to withdraw came after the persistence of east Libya forces in preventing the convoy from crossing through Sirte. Nawar reaffirmed that they will continue their sit-in in the Buwairat Al-Hassoun area, west of Sirte, until 15 detained members of the convoy are released.
Nawar had earlier announced that 15 convoy members, including 11 Libyans, were arrested by security elements affiliated with Haftar's forces on the outskirts of Sirte. He said that he personally was assaulted, beaten, and dragged, in addition to having his personal belongings stolen, before the convoy was forcibly pushed back toward the outskirts of Misrata.
He indicated that the decision to turn back was made to avoid further violations, after the participants were attacked at the 'Gate 50' checkpoint west of Sirte.
Regarding their meeting with the Hamad government, Nawar said that the authorities in eastern Libya told them explicitly: 'If Egypt agrees, we will allow you to pass.'
Some convoy members revealed shocking details of what they experienced on the outskirts of Sirte, where forces affiliated with the eastern Libya government surrounded them and prevented them from continuing their journey.
The participants spoke of a suffocating siege, deliberate starvation, direct threats at gunpoint, as well as physical assaults and arrests of several members, including the convoy's spokesperson.
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