Latest news with #SaddamHaftar
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Libya Review
Libyan Authorities Seize 5 Tonnes of Hashish Near Benghazi
Libya's security forces have seized five tonnes of hashish and dismantled a criminal network involved in drug trafficking in the outskirts of Taknes, Green Mountain, around 127 km east of Benghazi. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Libyan authorities confirmed that the operation was conducted at dawn on Saturday, following direct instructions from Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, who oversees anti-narcotics operations. The raid, coordinated with the 682nd Battalion of the Libyan National Army (LNA), marks the first of its kind in the Green Mountain region targeting large-scale drug cultivation and production. Authorities revealed that the network was engaged in both the cultivation and processing of hashish in remote areas near Taknes. Several suspects were arrested during the raid, and investigations are underway to trace other members of the trafficking chain. The operation comes amid increased efforts by Libyan security forces to combat drug smuggling and organised crime. In April, the Criminal Investigation Department in Benghazi intercepted 34 kilogrammes of hashish during an attempt to smuggle the drugs from Saluq to Benghazi. Similarly, in March 2024, the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Directorate seized 128 kilogrammes of raw cocaine in one of the country's largest drug busts. Officials emphasised that these operations highlight the growing threat of drug trafficking networks operating across Libya, exploiting instability and difficult terrain. The authorities pledged to intensify operations and maintain close coordination with LNA units to prevent the spread of narcotics. The latest seizure underscores Libya's ongoing battle against illegal drugs, which security officials warn are being trafficked through the country as part of larger regional and international smuggling routes. Tags: benghaziDrugsHashishlibya
Libya Review
4 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya's Saddam Haftar Meets Pakistan's Army Chief
Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces of the Libyan National Army (LNA), conducted an official visit to Pakistan on Friday, where he met senior Pakistani officials to discuss defence and security cooperation. According to Pakistan's state news agency, Haftar held talks with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Discussions focused on regional developments, shared security challenges, and strengthening bilateral defence ties. The meeting was accompanied by a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), underscoring the commitment of both sides to enhance collaboration. Haftar also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. Both parties agreed to deepen cooperation in the defence industry, including technology transfer and the exchange of expertise to tackle modern security threats. Upon his arrival at the army headquarters, Haftar received an official guard of honour from a unit of the Pakistani Army. He also laid a wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (Martyrs' Monument), paying tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers. The visit highlights growing ties between the Libyan National Army and Pakistan, particularly in the fields of military training, logistics, and defence production. Analysts suggest the cooperation may open avenues for joint exercises and technical partnerships between the two nations. Haftar's visit to Pakistan follows a series of diplomatic and military engagements between Libya and Asian nations aimed at diversifying Libya's defence partnerships and modernising its military capabilities. Tags: libyaLibyan armyPakistanSaddam HaftarShehbaz Sharif
Arab News
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan and Libya to expand defense industrial collaboration after top military meeting
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Libya have agreed to pursue defense industrial collaboration and exchange technical expertise to tackle security challenges, according to an official statement issued on Friday after a meeting between the top army commanders of the two countries. The meeting took place in Rawalpindi between Libyan Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Lt Gen Saddam Khalifa Haftar and Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to the military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Defense ties between the two countries date back to the Cold War era, when Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi famously called Pakistan 'the fort of Islam' at the 1974 Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Lahore and later supported its arms procurement efforts. In the post-Qaddafi period, the two nations signed a series of memoranda of understanding focused on labor, education and political consultations, laying the groundwork for broader cooperation. 'Meeting encompassed discussion on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional dynamics, security challenges and matters pertaining to defense cooperation,' the ISPR said in a statement after the meeting. 'Both leaders agreed to undertake defense industrial collaboration and exchange of technical expertise to address contemporary security challenges.' Haftar was presented a guard of honor by a Pakistan Army contingent upon his arrival at the General Headquarters, where he laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs' Corner. The ISPR statement maintained the visit by Libya's top military leadership marks a significant step in reinforcing the longstanding defense partnership between both countries. Pakistan and Libya established diplomatic relations in 1951 and have maintained friendly ties rooted in shared Islamic heritage and cultural bonds. Bilateral trade reached approximately $19 million in 2022–23, while defense ties remain robust, with Pakistan having trained Libyan officers in aviation, infantry and technical fields in the past.
Libya Observer
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Turkish Ministry of Defense hosts 3 military technical delegations from Libya's east
The Turkish Ministry of Defense revealed on Tuesday that three military delegations affiliated with Haftar's forces in eastern Libya visited Turkey, following the visit by the Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces, Saddam Khalifa Haftar, to Ankara on April 4th. In a statement published on its Facebook page, the ministry said: "Following the official visit of the Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army's Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, to our country on April 4, 2025, three military technical teams from eastern Libya visited Turkey between June 15–28, 2025.' The ministry explained that the Libyan military delegations toured various headquarters, units, and educational institutions under its authority, expressing hope that these visits would contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between the two sides. It reaffirmed its commitment to continuing support for Libya and cooperating with all Libyan parties, in line with its stance and overarching goal of preserving Libya's unity. It also noted that the Turkish Armed Forces continue to carry out their training and advisory missions in Libya successfully. Saddam Haftar visited Turkey on April 4th at the official invitation of Ankara, where he met with the Chief of Staff of the Turkish Ground Forces Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and several military officials.
Libya Review
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Turkey Hosts Libyan Military Delegations After Saddam Haftar Visit
Three Libyan military-technical delegations from the east of the country visited Turkey between 15–28 June 2025, following the official visit of Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Commander of the Libyan National Army's Ground Forces, on 4 April. According to the Turkish Ministry of National Defence, the delegations toured various military headquarters, units, and training institutions affiliated with the ministry. The visits form part of an ongoing cooperation initiative aimed at strengthening defence and security ties between Libya and Turkey. The ministry stated that these engagements reflect Ankara's commitment to deepening its relationship with Libya, especially within the framework of a unified 'One Libya' vision. It reaffirmed Turkey's readiness to continue supporting all segments of Libyan society through training, aid, and advisory missions. This outreach underscores Turkey's broader regional strategy of maintaining influence in Libya through military cooperation, particularly with factions in eastern Libya. The presence of multiple delegations within a short timeframe indicates a notable shift in defence diplomacy, following years of tension between Turkey and Libya's eastern leadership. The Turkish defence ministry emphasised that such visits are part of a comprehensive approach to bolstering bilateral relations and promoting stability across Libya. It also signalled that Turkey remains committed to its inclusive stance and continued collaboration with all Libyan stakeholders. Tags: Defense MinistrylibyaSaddam HaftarTurkey
