Trump speaks with Libya’ warlord Haftar
The White House revealed Friday that President Donald Trump reached out personally to Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar, as a push at the United Nations to broker a ceasefire hit trouble. Observers see Trump’s words of praise for the strongman, at the expense of internationally-recognized leader Fayez al-Sarraj, as evidence of US support that explains Haftar’s determination to pursue his offensive to seize Tripoli. A statement said that Trump “recognized Field Marshal Haftar’s significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya’s oil resources,” adding that “the two discussed a shared vision for Libya’s transition to a stable, democratic political system.” Meanwhile, forces loyal to Libya’s unity government yesterday said they have launched a counter-attack against Haftar’s fighters just south of the capital Tripoli. Haftar launched an offensive on April 4 against Tripoli, where the UN-recognised GNA is based.
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