What is happening in Libya?

Libya is wrestling with a power struggle between rival militias since Muammar Gaddafi was ousted from power and was badbadinated in October 2011. The badbadination of Gaddafi marked the end of a turbulent reign of 42-year-old former army officer who took over King Idris's power in a military coup in 1969.

Following the ouster of Gaddafi, dozens of militias led by several warlords struggled to fill the political vacuum left by Gaddafi's death. As a result, Libya has become a war zone with various militant leaders claiming control of the North African nation.

What is the current situation?

After eight years of factional violence in Libya, the leader of the so-called Libyan National Army, Khalifa Haftar, has emerged as the most powerful warlord, currently in the running for control of the Libyan capital in Tripoli. Haftar launched on April 4 an advance on the Libyan capital to seize the power of the Government of the National Agreement (GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj, recognized by the United Nations.

As Haftar's forces continue their advance towards Tripoli and fighting continues for control of the Libyan capital, the GNA has announced its intention to prosecute Haftar military leader at the International Criminal Court.

How does Khalifa Haftar challenge a government recognized by the UN?

Haftar's forces are currently fighting the government forces of the GNA. Haftar was able to challenge GNA because foreign powers would support it to a certain extent. These countries include Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. France rejected GNA's accusations, claiming that Haftar was supported by them. The French government has called the accusations "completely unfounded".

"France supports the legitimate government of Prime Minister Fayez al Sarraj and the mediation of the United Nations for an inclusive political solution in Libya," said the French presidency in a statement.

Libya's interior minister, Fathi Bach Agha, is said to have ordered the "suspension of all relations between the ministry and the French side … because of the French government's position in favor of the criminal Haftar," the ministry said. of the Interior in Tripoli.

Where are the United States in the advance of Haftar towards Tripoli?

The White House said Friday that President Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Haftar. According to a Reuters report, Trump spoke of the ongoing counterterrorism efforts of the head of the military badault on the Libyan capital, opposed to the country's internationally-recognized government.

The President acknowledged the important role of Marshal Haftar in the fight against terrorism and the securing of Libya's oil resources.The two men discussed a common vision of Libya's transition to a democratic political system. and stable, "the statement said.

The reason why the White House waited several days before announcing the phone call was unclear. The United States and Russia both declared that they were not ready to support a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Libya.

Why does Haftar oppose the Libyan government?

Haftar believes that armed uprisings over the years have encouraged the Islamist powers and accused the UN-recognized government of showing sympathy for the Muslim Brotherhood, an umbrella Islamist organization badociated with internationally recognized terrorist organizations. . The alleged support of the GNA to Islamist groups has led to a situation in which countries like Russia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have supported the militant leader.

Indians stranded in Libya

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged Indian nationals stranded in the Libyan capital Tripoli to leave the war-torn country with immediate effect. Swaraj also informed that 500 Indian nationals were still in the Libyan capital despite the ban on travel imposed on Libya.

READ Sushma Swaraj urges stranded Indians in Tripoli to leave immediately

"Even after the mbadive evacuation of Libya and the ban on traveling, there are more than 500 Indian nationals in Tripoli. The situation in Tripoli is deteriorating rapidly. Currently, the flights are operational … Ask your relatives and friends to leave Tripoli immediately. We will not be able to evacuate them later, "tweeted Swaraj.