How did Khalifah Haftar and the Libyan National Army become involved in Libya’s conflict?

Khalifah Haftar, a former general and leader of the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), became a central figure in the Libyan conflict in May 2014 when he launched Operation Dignity. This offensive targeted Islamist groups in eastern Libya, whom Haftar accused of dominating the General National Congress (GNC).1

Following the election of a new assembly, the House of Representatives, Haftar’s forces provided the military protection necessary for the body to convene in the eastern city of Tobruk. As Libya’s political institutions splintered, the LNA became the primary military arm of the Tobruk-based government, engaging in a protracted struggle for control over the country’s territory, oil infrastructure, and political legitimacy.123

Haftar’s involvement expanded significantly through various military campaigns, including an offensive in the southern Fezzan region and a 14-month siege of Tripoli that began in 2019. Throughout the conflict, the LNA’s operations were marked by shifting alliances and international involvement, including support from foreign mercenaries.34