General Haftar's parade before the National Conference

In an article published on 8 April, Al Jazeera reported that military forces affiliated to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) will launch a counteroffensive against the forces of the Libyan National Army (LNA) headed by General Khalifa Haftar. The aim of the counteroffensive will be to reclaim all areas seized by the LNA around Tripoli. Fighting in Southern Tripoli between the LNA and Tripoli-based military forces begun on 4 April and has led thus far to 11 deaths and 23 wounded, according to the GNA Health Ministry. As a result of the ongoing tensions, the US military proceeded on 7 April to a temporary withdrawal of its forces from Libya. For Jason Pack, interviewed by Al Jazeera, Haftar’s intention is not to overtake Tripoli by force but to make a statement before the UN-led National Conference which will take place on 14-16 April. The National Conference could be a turning point of the Libyan crisis. Pack argues that the international community and the UN have a plan which will be unravelled at the National Conference. However, he warns about dissension and hidden agenda within international ranks. Most particularly, he denounces the attitude of France, who officially supports the UN-led initiative but has also provided support to Haftar and the LNA.Click here to read the article.