Special to WorldTribune.com

The commander of the army of Libya’s internationally recognized government has led the effort to drive Islamists out of Benghazi for nearly a year.

For his efforts, Gen. Khalifa Haftar has now been accused by the United Nations of deliberately trying to sabotage peace talks with what they referred to as a “new offensive.”

At least six people were killed and ten wounded when fighting broke out on Sept. 19 west of Benghazi between Haftar’s Libyan National Army forces and fighters aligned with Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), a medical source and local residents said.

The Islamist militants in Benghazi are not aligned with either of the rival governments, although some elements in the Tripoli government, which is not internationally recognized, are said to harbor sympathy for them and are opposed to any action undertaken by the anti-Islamist Haftar.

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Sept. 20 said it “strongly condemns the military escalation in Benghazi. The air strikes are a clear attempt to undermine and derail the ongoing efforts to end the conflict at a time when the negotiations have entered a final and most critical stage.”

Haftar has shrugged off the UN’s criticisms in the past. He and his air force commander, Saqir Al-Jaroushi, have even been named as being subject to international sanctions.

Some areas of Benghazi are still controlled by the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries but some of that group have joined ISIL, according to reports.

Haftar, who has support from Egypt, has pledged to free Libya of all Islamists. He rejects any negotiations with the Tripoli-based militia, Libya Dawn, whom he calls terrorists.

According to the UK’s Observer, Al-Jaorushi said the military operation would be moved on to the cities of Misrata, Tripoli and others in areas controlled by the Tripoli-based government after Benghazi was completely retaken.

Libya has had rival governments since August of last year when a militia alliance overran Tripoli, forcing the recognized government to seek refuge in the east.

UNSMIL called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities in Benghazi and across Libya… to give the ongoing dialogue in Skhirat (Morocco) the chance to successfully conclude.”

United Nations special envoy Bernardino Leon has announced the formulation of a draft agreement, saying it is now up to the country’s two rival governments to sign off on it.

“So our part of the process is now finished,” Leon said of the UN role, adding he hoped the factions would sign a final accord before Oct. 20, and said he is not willing to accept any new proposals or additions to the draft.

  Anti-Islamist Gen. Haftar shrugs off UN charge, escalates Benghazi offensive, Gen. Khalifa Haftar, ISIL, WorldTribune.com