The rise of Saddam Haftar, son of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, is a reflection of "how the Haftar family has strengthened its grip" on the Libyan army, said the report of the UN Panel of Experts released on Friday.

The report, a copy of which was obtained by Alwasat, covers the period from April 25, 2022 to July 17, 2023, following the failed attempt to take control of Tripoli and says "the Haftar family launched a plan to consolidate control over the military, financial and strategic operations of the Libyan army." 

"This effective control exercised by Haftar and his sons, particularly the youngest Brigadier General Saddam, over key army units, financial institutions and political bodies has reached unprecedented levels during the reporting period," it noted.

The UN report notes that some elements of the Sudanese Armed Forces stationed in the southern part of Libya were involved in the transfer of ammunition and weapons to the RSF shortly after the armed conflict in Sudan began in April 2023.

Despite national and regional efforts to expel foreign fighters from Libya, the UN experts said the security situation in Libya remains negatively affected by the presence of fighters from Chad, Sudan and Syria, as well as foreign private military companies. 

While noting the success of counterterrorism efforts in reducing the ability of terrorist groups to carry out attacks in Libya, the report warned that porous borders with some neighboring countries and a security vacuum in the south make the country vulnerable to terrorism.