The United States (US) has warned Khalifa Haftar, and other leaders of armed groups in Libya, against "relying on Russian President Vladimir Putin," according to a White House spokesperson cited by Al-Arabiya TV Channel.
"Libyan leaders must unite during the crisis and Washington is in the meantime in contact with the Libyan government to provide any necessary support.” The US official said.
The White House's statement came after a visit by Haftar to Moscow, during which he met with Putin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
The Russian embassy in Libya commented sarcastically on reports that the US had warned Haftar and other Libyan leaders against rapprochement with Russia, saying in a comment on its Telegram channel: "Washington is still entertaining us. We laughed all night.”
