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.
