By Hussein Al-Msallati
The official visit of Major General Saddam Haftar, Chief of Staff of LNA’s Ground Forces, to Turkey has drawn significant local and international attention, particularly given the high-profile reception he received from General Aziz Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, and Yaşar Güler, Turkey’s Minister of Defence. This visit coincides with a critical juncture for Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean region, as political and security crises escalate under the Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Abdul Hamid Dabaibah, which struggles to assert control in Tripoli amid rampant militia activity and threats of renewed armed conflict.
In contrast, under Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s command, the LNA continues to consolidate security and stability in eastern, southern, and central Libya, paving the way for major development projects that have attracted investors and capitals from around the world.
Saddam Haftar’s outreach to Turkey – a nation with advanced military expertise – is viewed as part of a broader strategy to modernize the Libyan military’s capabilities, particularly within the ground forces, the backbone of modern armies, which is aligning with the General Command’s plans to enhance operational efficiency.
Haftar’s diplomatic engagements extend beyond Turkey, including meetings with prominent international figures such as U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Deputy Commander Major General John Brennan in Benghazi and Sirte, joint military exercises with U.S. forces, and discussions with Belarus’s Defense Minister. These moves reflect a strategic pivot to diversify military alliances in service of Libya’s national interests, even as UN Security Council expert reports commend the LNA’s counterterrorism, anti-crime, and anti-illegal migration efforts, bolstering its credibility as a reliable regional and international actor.
Meanwhile, recent developments suggest a potential shift in Turkey’s approach to Libya after years of backing specific factions. Ankara appears to be reassessing its stance, exploring communication channels with the LNA in recognition of shifting battlefield dynamics and Saddam Haftar’s growing influence as an indispensable player in any future political or military settlement. Amid converging interests, this cooperation could catalyze efforts to stabilize Libya and unlock development opportunities prioritizing the Libyan people’s welfare.
