Marco Rubio meets Libyan commander amid U.S. push for unity

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Libyan National Army (LNA) Deputy Commander Saddam Haftar on Monday, intensifying U.S. diplomatic efforts to help reunify Libya after more than a decade of division and conflict. The meeting underscores the Trump administration's growing involvement in the North African nation, which has been split between rival governments since 2014.

According to the U.S. Department of State, Rubio and Haftar discussed Libyan-led initiatives to unify the country's military, economic, and political institutions. They also explored potential avenues for cooperation to foster national unity and peace. Rubio commended Libyan leaders for their efforts to bridge existing divisions. A State Department spokesperson affirmed that the U.S. will remain at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to support Libyan unity and establish conditions for a democratically elected government.

The talks occur as Washington expands its role in resolving Libya's protracted political crisis, which originated from the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The current political schism dates back to 2014, following disputed parliamentary elections that led to rival administrations in eastern Benghazi and western Tripoli. The United Nations recognizes the Tripoli government, while the eastern administration is supported by the LNA, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.

Saddam Haftar, son of Khalifa Haftar and widely seen as his successor, has recently increased his international diplomatic engagements, meeting with senior officials including French President Emmanuel Macron and Egypt's defense minister. Concurrently, the U.S. has been promoting practical cooperation between Libya's opposing authorities. Earlier this year, the U.S. facilitated an agreement on unified public spending between the rival governments. The U.S. has also encouraged military coordination, with forces aligned with both sides participating in joint exercises with U.S. forces last year.

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The United States will remain at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to support Libyan unity and create the conditions for a democratically elected government able to lead Libya forward.