Saddam Haftar reinforces military movements in southern Libya

In a move reflecting efforts by Khalifa Haftar’s forces to consolidate their presence in southern Libya, Saddam Haftar conducted a tour of the Southern Military Zone headquarters, where he met with a number of commanders and officers to discuss what his forces described as “enhancing coordination and raising readiness levels,” at a time when the region is witnessing growing security and political tensions linked to border security, smuggling, and armed movements.

Saddam Haftar’s visit comes amid reports of deployments by his forces across southern areas and attempts to establish a new military reality in strategic towns and regions. Opponents accuse the forces of pursuing a policy aimed at expanding control over the south and placing it under direct military influence.

According to Haftar forces’ media office, Saddam Haftar met with Southern Military Zone Commander Ahmed Salem and several unit commanders. The meeting reportedly focused on “strengthening military operations and securing the borders,” while the forces claimed to have achieved tangible results in stabilizing the southern region.

On the other hand, the “South Liberation Operations Room” accused Haftar’s forces of relying on Chadian fighters during their military operations in the south, arguing that the use of foreign elements poses a threat to Libya’s national security. The group also accused Haftar’s leadership of using the country’s resources to support cross-border armed formations.

Residents of southern Libya have likewise accused Haftar’s forces of using anti-smuggling and anti-migration campaigns as a pretext to expand their military footprint, particularly following deployments in border regions, including the Tibesti Mountains, under the banner of combating armed groups and transnational criminal networks.

The rival sides continue to exchange accusations over control of subsidized fuel smuggling routes. The South Liberation Operations Room said it had monitored fuel tankers moving toward the southern border and alleged that entities linked to Haftar’s forces were behind the activity. Haftar’s forces deny the accusations, maintaining that their operations are focused on combating crime and protecting Libya’s borders.

Observers believe Saddam Haftar’s latest moves in the south are part of a broader effort to strengthen the military and political influence of the Haftar family in the region, particularly amid Libya’s ongoing institutional divisions and the South’s transformation into a battleground for local and regional influence.