In April 2019, General Haftar's forceslaunched an offensive to seize the capital, Tripoli, from the UN-backed Government of National Accord.

[1] During this offensive, Air Force planes loyal to the GNA attacked LNA positions, escalating tensions between the opposing factions.

[14] The sustained assault culminated in the capture of the airbase on May 18, 2020, marking a significant advancement for forces aligned with Libya's internationally recognized government.

[18] On July 4, 2020, unidentified "foreign" warplanes targeted Al-Watiya Air Base, with conflicting reports on the extent of damage.

The base's subsequent expansion, improvements to the runway, and ongoing air operations underscored its continued strategic importance.