Fact Check: Khalifa Haftar is a War Criminal
What We Know
Khalifa Haftar is a prominent figure in Libyan politics and military affairs, currently serving as the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) and holding significant influence in eastern Libya since 2017 (source-1). He has been accused of various human rights abuses and war crimes, particularly during the Second Libyan Civil War, which began in 2014. Notably, in 2017, he was accused of ordering the killing of prisoners of war during the recapture of Derna (source-1).
In recent developments, a new lawsuit was filed against Haftar and his son, Saddam, in a U.S. federal court, alleging their involvement in war crimes, including murder and torture, during the 2019 assault on Tripoli (source-2). This lawsuit is significant as it marks a legal milestone in holding Haftar accountable for his actions, especially as it involves allegations of collaboration with the Wagner Group, a foreign paramilitary organization (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Khalifa Haftar is a war criminal is supported by multiple allegations and ongoing legal actions against him. The accusations stem from his military operations, particularly those that have resulted in civilian casualties and violations of international humanitarian law. For instance, the 2019 assault on Tripoli, which involved heavy fighting and significant civilian impact, has been a focal point for these claims (source-2).
However, the legal landscape is complex. In 2024, a U.S. judge dismissed several lawsuits against Haftar due to jurisdictional issues, highlighting the challenges in prosecuting war crimes in foreign conflicts (source-3). This dismissal does not negate the allegations but illustrates the difficulties in achieving legal accountability.
The sources reporting on these issues vary in reliability. While mainstream news outlets and legal analyses provide a structured overview of the allegations, some sources may have biases based on their political affiliations or the narratives they promote (source-5). Therefore, while the claims of war crimes against Haftar are substantiated by legal actions and testimonies, the ongoing legal challenges and political dynamics complicate the narrative.
Conclusion
The claim that Khalifa Haftar is a war criminal is Partially True. There are substantial allegations and ongoing legal actions that support this assertion, particularly regarding his military conduct during the Libyan civil wars. However, the complexities of international law, jurisdictional challenges, and the outcomes of previous lawsuits against him introduce nuances that prevent a definitive categorization of him as a war criminal without further legal resolution.
