Story perspectives

Libyan Businessman Financed Haftar's Assault, Linked to Sanctions

4/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ahmed Gadalla, a Libyan businessman, financed Khalifa Haftar's 2019–2020 Tripoli assault, leaving Libyans with unpaid loans.
He allegedly secured $300 million from a minor bank in United Arab Emirates (UAE) to back Haftar's campaign.
The operation caused casualties and displacement.
The investigation links Gadalla to counterfeit currency and arms procurement for Sudan in breach of a UN embargo.
The report urges Western governments to sanction Gadalla to protect Libya's economy.

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Story summary

Ahmed Gadalla, a Libyan businessman, financed Khalifa Haftar's 2019–2020 Tripoli assault, leaving Libyans with unpaid loans.
He allegedly secured $300 million from a minor bank in United Arab Emirates (UAE) to back Haftar's campaign.
The operation caused casualties and displacement.
The investigation links Gadalla to counterfeit currency and arms procurement for Sudan in breach of a UN embargo.
The report urges Western governments to sanction Gadalla to protect Libya's economy.