Libya’s warlord Haftar to visit Egypt for talks: Report

By Diana Shalhoub

ANKARA (AA) - Libya’s warlord Khalifa Haftar will arrive in Egypt’s capital Cairo on late Wednesday for talks with Egyptian authorities, according to media reports.

Egypt-based Youm 7 newspaper said Haftar is expected to meet Egyptian officials to coordinate and consult on latest situation in Libya.

Egyptian authorities have not officially announced Haftar's visit.

Libya’s internationally recognized government has been under attack by Haftar's forces since April 2019.

In March, the Libyan government launched Operation Peace Storm to counter attacks on the capital, and recently regained strategic locations, including the Al-Watiya airbase, in a major blow to Haftar's forces.

On Tuesday, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said Haftar has agreed to the resumption of cease-fire talks.

Libya has been torn by civil war since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Libya's new government was founded in 2015 under a UN-led agreement, but efforts for a long-term political settlement failed due to the military offensive by Haftar’s forces.

*Nour Abdullah contributed to this report from Ankara.