Libyan general survives bomb

ILL ARMY CHIEF BEING TREATED ABROAD Military strongman is credited with holding eastern Libya together.

The chief of staff of the Libyan National Army (LNA) has survived an assassination attempt as the health of LNA General Khalifa Haftar remains uncertain, leading to speculation about his successor and the impact on Libya’s security.

On Wednesday, Lt-Gen Abdul Razak Al-Nazhuri escaped unscathed when a car bomb left on the street exploded as his motorcade passed near it as he travelled from Benghazi in the east to El Marj, LNA spokesperson Ahmed Mesmari confirmed.

The Libya Herald reported that nobody was hurt in the explosion.

Libya has two rival authorities vying for control, with Haftar controlling much of the eastern part of Libya as civil unrest continues to plague the North African nation following the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gadaffi during the Arab revolution of 2011.

The Libyan National Army is composed of a disparate mix of regular troops, tribal armed groups, and Salafists, which only Haftar could keep together with a degree of cohesion.

However, it was also Mesmari who stated on April 10 that Haftar was in good health.

It was only four days later, on April 14, that he admitted that the general was ill and being treated abroad, the Herald reported.

Hafter’s illness has led to much speculation about the seriousness of his condition and his ability to return to his position with full powers and influence.

There has also been speculation about his possible replacement – with Nazhuri being one of the candidates.

Libyan and international media have failed to produce any fresh photos, voice or video clip of Haftar in Paris, Libya or anywhere else.

And in view of all the potential instability his ill-health may cause to the Libyan political scene, Haftar has also pointedly failed to make a personal appearance over a week after rumours about his health started circulating.

The strongman is credited with holding much of eastern Libya together. Should he fail to return to his position, the current unrest could be exacerbated by a succession struggle. – ANA