Cyrenaica-based militia behind Ula's abduction
New developments have revealed more information regarding the kidnapping of Ula W., a Swedish humanitarian aid worker (and daughter of Swedish foreign minister), offering humanitarian relief in Libya.
What our independent sources revealed was also confirmed by a televised address by Haftar. "Libya needs to enter a new era of peace, security, reconciliation.... and reconstruction," said Haftar, paying homage to "a caravan of martyrs" who fell in the battles for "Libyan liberty".
The militia group behind the kidnapping has been identified as one based in the province of Cyrenacia, which has been governed by the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).
Haftar said: "There will be no division of the country, there is and there will be only one Libya. The total victory is the only acceptable option".
Libya’s governance has been fragmented since Omar Moamer el Gadafi fell from power in 2011. The United Nations has declared the GNA to be the legitimate government of Libya.
The GNA’s position on the matter has now become unclear as the kidnapping has been conducted by a militia group, which is apparently backed by the government.
Khalifa Haftar has reacted to the news with a strong condemnation of the GNA, accusing them of being incapable of ensuring the security of the Libyan people, noting that "GNA is the source of instability".
He assured he is doing everything possible to save Ula Wallström, and urged the GNA to hand her over, alive and unharmed.
