Gen. Haftar: Libyan forces lack weapons to defeat ISIL in Sirte

Special to WorldTribune.com

A lack of weapons has limited the ability of Libyan forces in their ongoing battle with Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) in the city of Sirte, the military commander of Libya’s internationally-recognized government said.

“Lack of weapons prevents us from expanding,” Gen. Khalifa Haftar said at a news conference in Amman where he was meeting with Jordanian military leaders. “We have limits because of our limited capabilities.”

Gen. Khalifa Haftar
Gen. Khalifa Haftar

Haftar added that he has been promised help from the Arab League.

Related: Former Gadhafi loyalist, Virginia resident, named top general in Libya, March 9, 2015

The government received “promises from the members of the Arab League to provide the required assistance to stage a proper attack” in Sirte, he said.

Libya’s internationally-recognized government and elected parliament is currently confined to the eastern cities of Tobruk and Bayda, while Libyan Dawn controls the capital Tripoli. The two sides have been participating in UN sponsored talks to end the infighting but have not reached a peace agreement.

Since seizing control of the city in June, ISIL continues to reinforce Sirte with up to 200 jihadists from Nigerian-based terror group Boko Haram joining the fight. ISIL, which considers Sirte its North Africa capital, has said that Libya is its “gateway to Rome.”

Haftar said he and Jordanian military officials discussed agreements on Jordan’s pledge of training and medical care for Libyan forces.

“Jordan has prepared places regarding the technical and tactical training,” he said. “In the medical field, we need Jordanian help as we have injuries as a result of fighting terrorists.”

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