Libyan media confirmed that “this appointment will be followed by a number of important assignments in the coming days,” noting that this came a day after the celebration of the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Libyan army, and in line with the development and enhancement of the overall performance of the Libyan armed forces.
Aqila Saleh congratulated Saddam Khalifa Haftar on his appointment as deputy to his father, describing the decision as “wise, reflecting deep confidence in his competence and military experience.” Aqila considered that “appointing Saddam Haftar enhances the status of the military institution and supports its strength and ability to preserve the nation’s sovereignty and protect its unity, security, and stability,” wishing him success in his new duties.
The army was founded on August 9, 1940, from Libyan resistance forces exiled to Egypt in the Abu Rawash area of Giza Governorate, where they joined British forces to confront the Italian forces, numbering about 11,000 fighters at the time.
After Libya’s independence in 1951, the army was restructured, and the government began sending military missions abroad before establishing the first military school in the city of Zawiya in 1953 to graduate batches of officers.
Initially, the army was led by a British officer, then by Brigadier Imran Al-Jadhara, before the government turned to the Kingdom of Iraq in 1954 to benefit from its expertise in training the army, where a select group of the best Libyan military personnel was sent.
