Supported by the UAE, Haftar seeks to control south Libya

Major General Khalifa Haftar has sent additional troops to south Libya after his forces were attacked on the Chadian border on 28 December.

Chadian opposition fighters seized military vehicles belonging to Haftar’s armed forces after killing an officer and injuring 12 others.

The pro-Haftar militias are located in three military bases: Tamant Al-Hind, Al-Waw and Brak Al-Shati. Local media quoted eyewitnesses who said that a significant number of armed forces, equipment and weapons arrived at the bases.

Observers believe that these forces will be ready to take control of the cities in the south in order to weaken the internationally backed Government of National Accord (GNA).

On 28 December, Al Jazeera Net revealed that the UAE was playing a negative role in creating a state of agitation in the southern part of Libya, citing unnamed private sources who claimed that the Emirates offered the GNA’s military leaders in the south rewards if they served in Haftar’s forces.

The same sources pointed out that a delegation from the tribes of the south, known for being loyal to Haftar, visited the UAE early last month and consulted with officials on the possibility of providing support for ongoing military movements in the area.

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