Haftar Appoints Son Saddam as Deputy Commander of Libyan Armed Forces

Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar has appointed his son, Saddam Haftar, as deputy commander of the self-styled Libyan Arab Armed Forces, further cementing his family’s control over eastern Libya’s armed and political institutions. The announcement was made during celebrations marking the 85th anniversary of the Libyan National Army’s founding.

The military’s media office confirmed that Saddam Haftar, currently chief of staff of the army’s ground forces, was promoted to deputy commander in line with what it described as the commander’s “2030 vision” to develop and strengthen the armed forces’ performance.

Khalifa Haftar, 82, was appointed army chief by the eastern-based parliament and has dominated the political and security landscape in eastern Libya since the country’s 2011 uprising.

The move is expected to deepen the Haftar family’s influence within Libya’s fragmented political system, where competing governments in Tripoli and Benghazi vie for control. Saddam Haftar has already played a growing role in military and diplomatic affairs, meeting with foreign officials and overseeing security operations in strategic areas.

Analysts say the appointment signals Haftar’s intention to entrench his family in key leadership positions, possibly setting the stage for a political transition that keeps power within the clan.

Saddam Haftar has risen rapidly through the military ranks in recent years, taking on high-profile security roles and representing his father in negotiations. He is viewed by some as a potential successor, although Libya’s political instability and ongoing tensions between rival armed factions complicate any leadership handover.