Summary
A report from The Sentry claims that Libyan businessman Ahmed Gadalla played a key role in securing $300 million in loans for Khalifa Haftar's failed military campaign to capture Tripoli from 2019 to 2020. The report alleges that Gadalla used banks in Libya to assist Haftar's efforts, leaving the financial burden with the Libyan public after the offensive collapsed.
Key Facts
- Ahmed Gadalla allegedly helped secure $300 million in loans for Khalifa Haftar's 2019–2020 Tripoli offensive.
- The loans reportedly came from a bank in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Haftar’s forces aimed to capture Tripoli from the UN-recognized government but failed.
- The campaign cost approximately $700 million and caused significant loss of life and displacement.
- Post-offensive, most loans remain unpaid, burdening the Libyan population.
- Gadalla is alleged to control major banks in eastern Libya, engaging in financial fraud.
- Gadalla’s activities reportedly include arms procurement and transfer to conflict zones, violating a UN arms embargo.
- A ship connected to Gadalla was intercepted with military cargo en route from the UAE to Benghazi.
