An Egyptian delegation visited the Libyan capital, Tripoli, on Sunday to reiterate the importance of a ceasefire and the activation of the 5 + 5 Joint Military Committee for the peace process.

The commission consists of five military officials from each side, from the government of the National Accord (GNA), which controls western Libya, including Tripoli, and the Libyan National Army (LNA), which controls eastern and central Libya.

A ceasefire was declared in August and the work of the commission has recently continued under the auspices of the United Nations.

The Egyptian delegation’s visit comes a day after Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar visited GNA Supreme Council Chairman Khaled Al Mashry to discuss developments and Turkey-Libya co-operation.

On December 24, LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari said thousands of fighters and foreign mercenaries affiliated with the GNA-protected militia had gathered in eastern Misrata in preparation for an attack on Sirte and al-Jufra.

Mismari said the militias were equipped with modern Turkish weapons. The spokesman added that the militiamen threatened to launch attacks on locations belonging to the Libyan National Army in Sirte and Al Jufrah.

Mismari also reaffirmed the LNA’s commitment to a ceasefire, warning against any escalation or provocation by the militia.