Today, the General Commander of the Libyan National Army, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, issued a decree appointing Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa as Deputy General Commander of the Army. The appointment coincides with the celebration of the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Libyan National Army and falls within the General Commander’s Vision 2030 to develop and enhance the overall performance of the armed forces. The General Command’s media office stated that this appointment will be followed by a number of important assignments in the coming days. This decision represents a significant strategic step in the process of modernizing the military establishment and shines a spotlight on the personality of Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa. So, who is this commander chosen to occupy this high-ranking position?
The Marshal’s Youngest Son
Saddam Khalifa was born in the city of Benghazi and is the youngest son of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. He was named in honor of the late Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, reflecting his father’s pan-Arab nationalist orientation in the 1980s. Saddam was raised in this household, overshadowed by a culture of discipline and loyalty to the military institution. This upbringing shaped the features of his early personality, and it was natural for him to chart his future within the ranks of the military establishment.
Saddam and the February 17th Revolution
With the outbreak of the February 17th Revolution in 2011, Saddam Khalifa was among the youth who became involved in the events that swept the country. His participation in this pivotal stage of Libya’s history gave him a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges of the Libyan scene. This early field experience honed his national consciousness and contributed to forming his vision on the necessity of building a strong, unified military institution to be the safety valve for the Libyan state.
Academic Qualifications and Formation
On the academic front, Saddam graduated from the Royal Military College in Jordan in 2017 with the rank of Captain. He sought to polish his skills by obtaining numerous advanced specialized courses inside and outside Libya, which included vital fields such as special operations, unit management, artillery, and military intelligence. He also participated in an advanced information security course in Russia and a specialized counter-terrorism course in the Arab Republic of Egypt. He also earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Military Sciences from the Military Academy for Graduate and Strategic Studies in Egypt.
Progression in the Military Ranks
Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa’s military career has been marked by a distinguished progression. He assumed command of the “Tariq bin Ziyad Brigade” and transformed it into one of the most prominent elite units in the National Army. In recognition of his outstanding performance, he received regional appreciation, being granted exceptional ranks by King Abdullah II of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. In September 2023, he was promoted to the rank of Major General along with 24 other officers, following their participation in rescue operations after the floods that struck the city of Derna and neighboring towns. In 2024, he held the position of Chief of Staff of the Land Forces, then was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed Deputy General Commander.
Active Military Diplomacy
Lieutenant General Saddam has emerged as a diplomatic and military face for the General Command, undertaking numerous official visits to regionally and internationally influential countries. His travels have included the United States of America, Russia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and Chad, where he held high-level talks concerning military cooperation, counter-terrorism, and the coordination of political stances, reflecting the great trust the General Command places in him to manage sensitive foreign files.
Saddam and Development
Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar pays exceptional attention to the reconstruction and development file. This vision is translated through direct instructions and close follow-up with the National Development Agency to complete a package of developmental projects in various Libyan cities. These projects include rehabilitating dilapidated infrastructure and supporting projects that directly touch the daily lives of citizens. The agency oversees major projects such as building bridges, rehabilitating airports, developing the electricity and water sectors, and establishing service, sports, and recreational facilities.
The National Reconciliation File
Alongside his military duties, Saddam Khalifa has given special attention to the national reconciliation file, realizing that lasting stability cannot be achieved by military force alone. Saddam continuously holds meetings with elders and notables of Libyan groups and supports dialogue initiatives with various social and political components in the country, stressing that the National Army is an institution for all Libyans and striving to unify ranks and overcome divisions to build a common future.
Religious Orientation and Support for Islamic Values
Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa shows a clear interest in the religious aspect, being keen to support and sponsor Islamic activities in Libya. He is known for encouraging religious youth and supporting Quranic competitions such as the Dhu al-Nurayn competition, the Nation’s Memorizers and its Champions competition, and others. He is also keen to host scholars and religious sheikhs and listen to their advice, which reflects his orientation of blending military strength with spiritual values. His repeated trips to perform the Umrah pilgrimage are evidence of his deep personal connection to religion and his endeavor to entrench this aspect among youth and society.
Interest in and Empowerment of Youth
Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa is known for his closeness to the youth and his belief in the importance of their role in state-building. He often directs his speeches to them and is keen to support youth initiatives both within and outside the military establishment. Saddam has supported many youth initiatives and competitions, such as the initiative to train and employ 1,000 young men from various regions of the Green Mountain and the Libya Shooting Championship competition, among others. This is in addition to his directives to build modern sports stadiums with international specifications in several cities, seeking to enhance the involvement of youth in various sectors and encourage them to build their country’s future.