According to reliable sources, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Khalifa Haftar, has issued a decision to retire 2,700 officers, including 20 generals, along with 600 officers of various other ranks, ranging from colonel to major.
As reported by Libya Press, sources revealed that Haftar also ordered the retirement of 1,500 non-commissioned officers born in 1972 or earlier.
The sources indicated that the lists of retirees will be officially published by the end of this week or early next week.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
