Trump Backed Libyan Strongman’s Attack on Tripoli, U.S. Officials Say
- President spoke with Haftar before assault on capital
- White House stance marks dramatic turn from Pompeo position
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President Donald Trump indicated in a phone call with Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar last week that the U.S. supported an assault on the country’s capital to depose its United Nations-backed government, according to American officials familiar with the matter.
An earlier call from White House National Security Adviser John Bolton also left Haftar with the impression of a U.S. green light for an offensive on Tripoli by his forces, known as the Libyan National Army, according to three diplomats.