Trump, Haftar Discuss 'Counterterrorism' Efforts In Libya - White House

US President Donald Trump and commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar spoke this week to address the ongoing LNA "counterterrorism" efforts in Libya, the White House disclosed in a readout on Friday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th April, 2019) US President Donald Trump and commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar spoke this week to address the ongoing LNA "counterterrorism" efforts in Libya, the White House disclosed in a readout on Friday.

"Trump spoke on April 15, 2019, with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar to discuss ongoing counterterrorism efforts and the need to achieve peace and stability in Libya," the readout said. "The President recognized Field Marshal Haftar's significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources, and the two discussed a shared vision for Libya's transition to a stable, democratic political system.

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Earlier in April, Haftar ordered an offensive to retake Tripoli from Libya's internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA)-backed forces. The LNA has already recaptured a number of settlements on its way to the capital, including the Tripoli International Airport, located around 20 miles away from the capital. The forces loyal to the GNA announced a counteroffensive on Sunday, dubbed Volcano of Rage, to repel the National Army.