The internationally-recognised government of Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj managed to halt them in southern suburbs, thanks largely to armed groups from various western Libyan factions. For Paris, Haftar, or a perceived stable army in Tripoli, is key to its wider policy against militants in the Sahel. Its support of Haftar will depend on whether it thinks he can win or how civilian casualties can be contained. It will also depend on how UAE support evolves. An internal policy battle in France between the foreign and defence ministries prior to his arrival blurred Paris’ lines.

Source: Libya Today April 16, 2019 11:15 UTC