One week after Gen. Khalifa Hifter occupied Libya’s parliament, the remaining MPs have passed an 83-12 vote of confidence in favor of Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeq, who Hifter’s offensive appears focused on ousting.
Maiteeq was named prime minister just over two weeks ago, and formed his first cabinet a week ago today, just hours before Gen. Hifter’s forces attacked parliament.
Hifter has argued that parliament is a “state sponsor of terror,” and points to Maiteeq’s strong support among Islamist MPs. His forces hold much of the capital, but Islamist militias loyal to parliament have also set up shop in the city.
Both sides are now building up their fighters and shoring up their defenses in anticipation of a major battle. A civil war seems to be looming ever closer.