Violent clashes erupted between the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) and the Southern Liberation Operations Room (SLOR) – an armed group operating in southern Libya – along the border with Niger resulting in fatalities on both sides. On 25 February, the General Command of the LAAF announced the liberation of nine soldiers abducted during an attack on the At-Tum border crossing on 31 January. The LAAF stated that the soldiers were returned safely following a precise military operation and pledged to continue targeting sources of terrorism and organised crime. 

Conversely, the SLOR claimed to have secured the entire southwestern border strip with Niger. The group alleged it had inflicted heavy losses on the LAAF forces – which it referred to as ‘Haftar’s militias’ – forcing a withdrawal toward the city of Murzuq. However, video footage emerged appearing to show the LAAF in control of sites previously held by the SLOR, capturing weaponry, vehicles and equipment.

The conflict triggered a diplomatic row and tribal shifts. On 27 February, elders and youth of the Tebu tribe in Al-Gatrun issued a statement distancing the tribe from acts destabilising the Fezzan region. They affirmed their support for the LAAF and Khalifa Haftar while accusing Abdelhamid Dbeibah’s government and Undersecretary of Defence Zoubi of exploiting Tebu youth in political and military conflicts. The tribe requested clemency for those ‘misled’ into fighting who do not have blood on their hands, while urging humane treatment for prisoners.

This follows Niger’s handover of wanted individuals, Bahir al-Din and al-Sayyid al-Qallal, to the LAAF. In response, the GNU Ministry of Foreign issued a protest to the Nigerien Embassy in Tripoli accusing Niamey of violating protocols by transferring suspects to the LAAF rather than the Tripoli-based administration.