Libyan Military’s Successes in Benghazi Drive Fear into Illegitimate Government

Early yesterday, February 23, 2016, Libyan government forces led by Gen. Khalifa Haftar reclaimed two major sections of Benghazi, Libya’s second largest city. The government has been pushing to reclaim the city for years, and today’s victory will serve as a major morale boost and sign the government is capable to expel Islamist groups from major cities.

The government forces were reportedly met with cheers, as Islamist fighters belonging to several different jihadist groups, including Islamic State and the Al Qaeda affiliate Ansar Al Sharia were pushed out.

While this victory is a massive morale boost for the Tobruk government, it may serve as an impediment to unity talks. Gen. Haftar is a vocal opponent of all Islamist factions in Libya, including the Muslim Brotherhood-linked Libyan Dawn faction in Tripoli, which is currently engaged in unity talks with the legitimate government in Tobruk. One MP in Tripoli has called Gen. Haftar a “dictatorial coup leader.”

Further complicating the situation in Libya, Le Monde, a French newspaper, reported that French Special Forces have been actively engaged in covert operation against the Islamic State. The Huffington Post Arabic claims that the French forces are also supporting Gen. Haftar’s campaign against Islamists, but this statement is unconfirmed. Huffington Post Arabic is known to be pro-Muslim Brotherhood, and this would give them the motive to suggest any activity that could slow down Gen. Haftar’s push against Islamists.

France’s Defense Ministry declined to comment on the claims, but they will be launching an investigation into who leaked the information to Le Monde. The article also quoted a French Defense Official saying “The last thing to do would be to intervene in Libya. We must avoid any overt military engagement, but act discreetly.”

France has increased military activity in the region after establishing a military base in Northern Niger and conducting reconnaissance flights over Libya.

Even if French Special Forces have not aided Gen. Haftar, their presence in Libya will draw condemnation from the Islamist factions supporting the illegitimate Tripoli government. The Tripoli government does not want any foreign intervention to possibly hinder their progress, and they will likely continue to argue against France’s “secret war.” France could provide the support needed to help the Tobruk government reclaim more territory from the Islamists, and this would weaken the Tripoli government.

With the recent victory, the government forces may consider further putting off the unity talks as they continue to gain ground. If the Tobruk government and military can prove they are capable to defend the country from jihadists.