Why is Libya's commander Hifter visiting Russia?

The visit comes amid the aftermath of the Wagner Group’s ill-fated mutiny and the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in Russia.
General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Hifter (L).
General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Hifter (L) arrives in Moscow and is greeted by Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov (R) upon arrival, on Sept. 26, 2023. - X
Adam Lucente headshot (new)
Adam Lucente
@Adam_Lucente

Libyan military commander Khalifa Hifter made a surprise visit to Russia on Tuesday during a critical time in Libya-Russia relations.

Hifter, who commands the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), was received by Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov in Moscow. The two were scheduled to discuss unspecified developments in Libya and relations between Libya and Russia, according to a Facebook post by the LNA.

Russia has supported Hifter’s forces throughout the Libyan civil war in its fight against the internationally recognized government in Tripoli, now led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. 

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more