Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar has appointed his son as his second-in-command, in a move described as part of plans to enhance the capabilities of his forces.
Lt Gen Saddam Haftar becomes deputy commander-in-chief, the administration that controls much of Libya's east said.
Libya is divided between two governments, with the UN-recognised authorities in Tripoli led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and the rival administration in the east supported by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, both claiming the right to lead the country.
The new deputy commander, who has served in senior military positions in recent years, is expected to play a central role in overseeing key operational priorities, the eastern administration said.
The announcement was made on the occasion of the Libyan National Army’s 85th anniversary. Saddam Haftar’s promotion cements his position as one of the most powerful figures in Libya.
The country has seen little stability since a 2011 Nato-backed uprising ousted longtime autocrat Muammar Qaddafi. The split in 2014 between rival eastern and western factions intensified hostilities, although a truce in 2020 eased fighting.
Last month, US President Donald Trump's senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos met Mr Haftar and other officials in Benghazi.
He also held discussions with Saddam Haftar to “follow up on his important visit to Washington in April,” the envoy wrote on X.
“We discussed ways to expand co-operation and reinforce Libyan efforts to unify the military and other key institutions. I reiterated US support for Libyan unity, sovereignty, and stability.”
