Haftar Troops Advance in South Libya, Putting GNA Under Pressure

Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar (File Photo: Reuters)
Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar (File Photo: Reuters)
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Haftar Troops Advance in South Libya, Putting GNA Under Pressure

Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar (File Photo: Reuters)
Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar (File Photo: Reuters)

The Libyan National Army (LNA) continued to advance in the south of Libya amid heavy clashes with terrorists and Chadian groups, further isolating Fayez al-Sarraj's Government of National Accord in the capital Tripoli.

Although LNA commander Khalifa Haftar did not declare the army's advance towards the capital, military officials told Asharq al-Awsat that the liberation of the South would greatly facilitate the army’s mission if it was ordered to move on Tripoli, which has been under militia control for five years.

“Controlling the entire South will certainly facilitate the next step to enter Tripoli,” said a military officer who asked not to be identified.

The officer indicated that the entire South is now under the control of the army from Sabha to Qurayyat.

“The next battle is in Tripoli and it won't be easy,” admitted the military officer.

LNA's victories in the South have prompted Sarraj’s government to begin preparations for a possible battle in Tripoli.

Intelligence and military sources told Asharq al-Awsat that commander of the western military zone of Sarraj’s troops, Major General Ousama al-Juwaili, received about twenty containers, which are likely to contain weapons to be used in coming clashes.

Commander of Karama Operations Room Major General Abdul Salam al-Hassi said no military expert can predict the timing of the army's push into Tripoli.

“We are still in the South, and we are in the process of liberating it, helping citizens restore their normal lives, establishing stability and security, and chasing terrorists and mercenaries,” he indicated, adding that Tripoli will be dealt with at the right time.

The Council of Ministers of the Presidential Council government held a meeting on Saturday to discuss the situation facing the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA).

Earlier, the Libyan Office of Public Prosecutor in Tripoli issued an arrest warrant for the Chairman of the Authority, Ali Mahmoud Hassan Mohamed.

Mahmoud was detained over financial corruption and embezzlement.

Sarraj chaired the meeting of the Board of Trustees of LIA at the Presidential Council’s headquarters in Tripoli. The meeting was attended by Minister of Planning Tahir al-Jahimi, Finance Faraj Boumtari and Economy and Trade Ali al-Issawi.

The Authority’s board of directors had promised earlier this month to directly supervise the investment funds within the framework of a series of reform measures.



5 Israeli Soldiers Charged with Assault on a Palestinian Detainee 

Israeli soldiers walk over the rubble of damaged buildings at Tulkarem refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, 19 February 2025. (EPA)
Israeli soldiers walk over the rubble of damaged buildings at Tulkarem refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, 19 February 2025. (EPA)
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5 Israeli Soldiers Charged with Assault on a Palestinian Detainee 

Israeli soldiers walk over the rubble of damaged buildings at Tulkarem refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, 19 February 2025. (EPA)
Israeli soldiers walk over the rubble of damaged buildings at Tulkarem refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, 19 February 2025. (EPA)

Israeli military prosecutors have charge five soldiers with assault over an attack on a Palestinian detainee in which they sodomized him with a knife.

The military said the July 5, 2024, attack in the Sde Teiman facility “caused severe physical injury to the detainee, including cracked ribs, a punctured lung and an inner rectal tear.”

It said the soldiers took the detainee to a separate area, blindfolded and handcuffed, before assaulting him. It said the evidence for the attack was “extensive” and included footage from a security camera.

The five were among nine Israeli reservists arrested last July over the attack. A defense lawyer at the time denied the allegations, saying the soldiers responded with force when the detainee attacked them.

Their arrest triggered angry protests by supporters demanding their release, including members of parliament and at least two government ministers. Hard-liners in Israel have called for harsh treatment of suspected Hamas fighters.