Fighting between his Libyan National Army and its enemies since early April has killed roughly 400 Libyans, displaced at least 50,000 and severely damaged several of Tripoli’s southern districts. Important to note is that there are major differences between Libyan Salafi groups, with some in Hifter’s camp and others against him. Moreover, these Salafists have integrated themselves into the Libyan National Army’s regular units as well as the security apparatus in Benghazi. Concerns about excessive Salafi influence in the Libyan National Army already prompted Hifter to dismantle one eastern Salafi group, Tawhid, which previously belonged to his coalition. As the Libyan war rages on, Salafists under the Libyan National Army umbrella will probably become increasingly difficult for Hifter to mask.

Source: Libya Today May 13, 2019 20:26 UTC