Khalifa Haftar

Khalifa Haftar is a prominent Libyan military leader who has been a key figure in the country's ongoing conflict since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. He leads forces primarily based in eastern Libya and has been vying for control of the country against various rival factions and governments. He is newsworthy due to recent reports suggesting his forces may be using combat drones, potentially violating a UN arms embargo. Satellite images reportedly show drones at an airbase under his control. The death of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, a potential rival and son of the former dictator, also indirectly highlights Haftar's continued relevance as a major player in Libya's power struggles. The killing removes a symbolic alternative to the current political deadlock, further entrenching the existing power dynamics in which Haftar is a central figure.