Latest news with #SaddamHaftar
Libya Review
24-05-2025
- General
- Libya Review
Haftar Orders Financial Aid for Families of Libyan Soldiers Killed in Battle
On Saturday, the General Command of the Libyan National Army (LNA) announced that it had begun distributing a one-time Eid al-Adha financial grant to the families of soldiers who were either killed or injured in the line of duty. Each eligible family will receive 5,000 Libyan dinars, in accordance with instructions issued by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the LNA Commander-in-Chief. The initiative is being implemented under the direct supervision of Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces. According to the General Command, the grant is part of ongoing efforts to honor the sacrifices made by members of the Libyan military and to provide meaningful support to their families during the holiday season. This financial gesture comes as a token of appreciation for the bravery and patriotism displayed by those who served on the frontlines in defense of the nation. The leadership stressed that the families of martyrs and wounded soldiers deserve continued recognition, care, and solidarity—especially during times of spiritual and national reflection such as Eid al-Adha. The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to standing by these families, noting that this step reflects both moral responsibility and national gratitude. The initiative is part of a broader approach to strengthening social and institutional support for the military community, especially those who have borne the heaviest burdens of the country's ongoing struggles. Field Marshal Haftar and General Saddam Haftar both emphasized that the sacrifices of the Armed Forces will not be forgotten, and that these families will always be considered part of the military's extended family. Tags: Eid GrantFinancial Aidkhalifa haftarlibyaMilitary Martyrs
Libya Herald
18-05-2025
- Business
- Libya Herald
Largest direct reduced iron (DRI) factory in the world to be established by Turkish company Tosyali in Benghazi
Benghazi Municipality reported yesterday that Saddam Khalifa Haftar supervised the implementation phases of the project to establish the largest direct reduced iron (DRI) factory in the world by Turkish company Tosyali. The project site is in Ras Al-Mangar area, east of Benghazi. Tosyali Solb Company, the executor of the project, is a consortium between the Turkish company Tosyali (30%) and the United Steel Company of Libya (70%). The first actual production is expected to start on 30 May with the first export shipments ready by the beginning of July of the same year. During the event, Saddam Haftar made a number of technical observations, stressing the importance of supporting the project through the establishment of a vocational and training academy for Libyan youth, which contributes to preparing qualified cadres to keep pace with the needs of the industrial sector. The project is being built under the supervision of the National Development Authority, on an area of 380 hectares overlooking the Mediterranean coast, with a production capacity of 7.5 million tons per year, making it the largest factory in the world in its field. Benghazi Municipality reports that the project is environmentally friendly, reducing energy consumption by 25%, reducing carbon emissions by 30%, providing about 7,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, in addition to its long-term profit returns, and its role in diversifying sources of income and developing the infrastructure of the national economy. The project includes a 3-kilometer export port, in addition to an accredited training academy, reflecting the integration of its industrial and logistical elements. Tags: iron and steelTosyaliTurkey Turkish
Libya Review
18-05-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Saddam Haftar Launches World's Largest Iron Plant in Benghazi
Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Libyan Ground Forces, has overseen the launch and ongoing construction of what is set to become the world's largest direct reduced iron (DRI) plant in the Ras Al-Mnqar area, east of Benghazi. During a field visit to the construction site, Saddam Haftar met with a delegation from Tosyali Group, a Turkish steel giant renowned globally for its expertise in the iron and steel industry. The delegation briefed him on the current progress and technical aspects of the project. The Libyan engineering team supervising the implementation also delivered a detailed technical presentation. Following the briefing, Haftar provided several technical observations and recommendations to ensure the highest standards of execution. He emphasized the strategic importance of the project, not only as a cornerstone of Libya's industrial future but also as a vehicle for youth empowerment. He called for the establishment of a vocational and training academy alongside the plant to equip young Libyans with essential skills in modern manufacturing and heavy industry. Spanning an area of 380 hectares, the facility will have a production capacity of 7.5 million tons per year, positioning Libya as a future leader in global steel production and export. This ambitious project marks a significant step forward in reviving Libya's industrial sector and strengthening economic diversification in the east of the country. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: benghazilibyaMiddle EastSaddam Haftar
Libyan Express
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
US defends deportation policies amid Libya reports
Saddam Haftar (in the middle) attends the US State Department meeting in Washington, April 28, 2025. Photo via SOCIAL MEDIA The US State Department has confirmed its dedication to enforcing immigration policies and deporting foreign nationals who pose security threats or have entered the country illegally. This statement came in response to media reports about potential US plans to deport migrants to Libya. Through an official spokesperson, the Department emphasised that enforcing immigration laws, including those implemented during the Trump administration, remains a 'top priority.' The spokesperson added that deporting individuals with final removal orders or those who entered illegally is 'essential to protecting the United States from external threats.' Whilst asserting that the US does not return anyone to countries where they may face persecution, the Department declined to provide specific details about diplomatic communications with foreign governments. This includes whether direct consultations occurred with Libyan authorities or if Saddam Haftar's recent Washington visit addressed deportation matters. When questioned about Libya's potential designation as a 'safe third country' for asylum seeker deportations, the Department offered only a general response, noting that 'several other countries have expressed a willingness to receive third-country nationals and facilitate the return of their own citizens,' without specifically mentioning Libya. The spokesperson expressed gratitude to international partners assisting with deportee returns but indicated no publicly available estimates exist regarding how many individuals with criminal records might be included in such procedures. Whilst neither confirming nor denying any pilot deportation programmes involving Libya, the Department reiterated that 'enforcing US immigration laws is a fundamental part of protecting the rule of law and homeland security.' CNN has reported, citing 'multiple sources familiar with the discussions,' that the Trump administration has engaged in talks with officials in Libya and Rwanda about potentially sending migrants with criminal records to those countries. The network further reported that administration officials hope to formalise negotiations with Libya toward establishing a 'safe third country' agreement that would allow the US to return asylum seekers apprehended at the border to Libya.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saddam Haftar's visit to Ankara marks shift in Turkey's Libya policy
ISTANBUL — In a visit carrying symbolic weight, Maj. Gen. Saddam Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Ground Forces, met with senior Turkish officials in Ankara on April 4, 2025 — the anniversary of Libya's second civil war that began in 2018. Haftar, son of eastern Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, was hosted by Turkish Land Forces commander Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu. Defence Minister Yaşar Güler also held talks with him. The visit marks a rare instance of direct contact between the Turkish Armed Forces and the LNA, which were on opposing sides during Libya's most recent civil conflict. The meeting comes shortly after reports that U.S. oil giant Chevron has expressed interest in exploring a 47,000 km² area south of Crete. The designated area overlaps with Libya's claimed Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and aligns with Greece's position based on the equidistance principle, as seen in the so-called Seville Map. Greek officials have called this development a 'game changer' and a sign of U.S. support for their maritime claims. According to Serhat Süha Çubukçuoğlu, a senior fellow at the Abu Dhabi-based TRENDS Research and Advisory consultancy, the timing of Haftar's visit is no coincidence. 'It appears to be Ankara's response to Greece's moves in the Eastern Mediterranean,' he said. The visit signals a growing dialogue between Turkey and the Benghazi-based government, which had previously rejected a 2019 maritime memorandum of understanding signed between Ankara and the Tripoli government. Çubukçuoğlu noted that Haftar agreed in principle to procure Turkish-made armed unmanned aerial vehicles and receive training and equipment for LNA forces. If this cooperation progresses, it could revive the stalled maritime deal and pave the way for Turkish hydrocarbon activity in Libyan waters—similar to Turkey's recent moves in Somalia. Turkish Ministry of Defence sources described the visit as a step toward reconciliation and national unity in Libya. During the Second Libyan Civil War, Turkey provided military support to the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. This included the deployment of drones and personnel, helping the GNA repel Haftar's forces and recapture strategic sites such as the al-Watiya airbase in 2020. The latest engagement with the LNA appears to indicate a recalibration of Ankara's policy to include outreach to eastern Libyan actors.
