In today's world, Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi is a topic that has captured the attention of millions of people around the world. Since its emergence, Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi has generated an intense and passionate debate, raising conflicting opinions and provoking an exchange of ideas that has enriched the cultural and social panorama. As Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi continues to resonate in contemporary society, it is necessary to fully explore all aspects related to this phenomenon, from its origins to its possible implications in the future. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi, examining its many facets and offering a panoramic view to better understand its impact on our lives.
Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi | |
---|---|
Minister of Defense | |
In office 5 January 2016 – 29 July 2018 suspended: 1 May 2017 – 28 July 2018 | |
Prime Minister | Fayez al-Sarraj |
Preceded by | Abdullah al-Thani (General National Congress) |
Succeeded by | Fayez al-Sarraj |
Personal details | |
Born | Benghazi, Libya |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Libya (House of Representatives) Libya (GNA) |
Branch/service | Libyan National Army (former) Libyan Ground Forces |
Rank | Colonel |
Commands | 204 Tank Brigade Libyan National Army |
Battles/wars | Libyan Civil War |
Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi is a Libyan National Army officer who served as the Minister of Defense in the Libyan Government of National Accord, from January 2016 until July 2018. He is an army commander from eastern Libya who had formerly served under General Khalifa Haftar during the Second Libyan Civil War before joining the internationally-recognised unity government.
Al-Barghathi was born in Benghazi and fought in the Libyan Civil War against the forces of Muammar Qaddafi, being among the first officers to join the rebels. In 2014 he joined General Khalifa Haftar's Operation Dignity against the Islamists in the General National Congress and commanded the 204 Tank Brigade. He reportedly became a popular officer in the Libyan armed forces for personally fighting on the front line with the troops.
Al-Barghathi's appointment as the minister of defense of the Government of National Accord in January 2016, formed with international support to reunify Libya, caused disagreements with Field Marshal Haftar. The general believes he is not fit for the role and opposes his appointment. Also, Al-Barghathi is an ally of Ibrahim Jadhran, leader of the Petroleum Facilities Guards and rival of Haftar. Al-Barghathi stated he remains loyal to the army as an institution and is determined to run it effectively. The Libyan Air Force chief of staff under Haftar, Saqr Geroushi, said that al-Barghathi should be arrested for becoming the defense minister in the GNA without the commander-in-chief's permission.
It was reported that he personally led Libyan unity government forces during the offensive to retake the city of Sirte from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
In March 2017, after Haftar's LNA seized control of the oil facilities in eastern Libya, Al-Barghathi was accused of supporting the Benghazi Defense Brigades that fought against the LNA. However, he denied this allegations.
In May 2017, GNA Prime Minister Fayez Seraj announced that Al-Barghathi was suspended as defense minister after being suspected of involving in the Brak Al-Shati massacre.
By December 2017 it appeared that he is no longer suspended and resumed his role as defense minister. Early that month, he visited Libyan soldiers receiving medical treatment in neighboring Tunisia.
In July 2018 he was removed from the office after disagreements with Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.