Brigade 93

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]

Brigade 93
LeadersSalem al-Aawar
Dates of operationJanuary 2012 – present
Group(s)Warfalla
HeadquartersBani Walid
Active regionsLibya
IdeologyPro-Gadaffi
Allies Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Opponents National Transitional Council
Battles and warsPost-civil war violence in Libya

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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