Rubio hosts Libya’s Saddam Hifter as US pushes unity plan: What to know |
Rubio hosts Libya’s Saddam Hifter as US pushes unity plan: What to know
The pair discussed "possible avenues for cooperation" to advance Libya's unification.
Elizabeth Hagedorn
Jun 29, 2026
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Libyan National Army Deputy Commander Saddam Hifter in Washington on June 29, 2026. — Secretary of State Marco Rubio/X
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WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Monday with Saddam Hifter, the deputy commander of Libya's eastern army, as the Trump administration pushes a governance plan that critics warn could further entrench the country's ruling elites.
Hifter, the son of Libyan strongman Khalifa Hifter and heir apparent, spoke with Rubio about "possible avenues for cooperation to advance unity and peace in Libya,” according to a State Department readout of their meeting.
“The United States will remain at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to support Libyan unity and create the conditions for a democratically-elected government able to lead Libya forward,” the statement said.
Last week, Deputy Defense Minister Abdulsalam al-Zubi, the counterpart to Hifter in Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of National Unity, met........