A French intelligence website, Africa Intelligence, has reported that forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar are currently detaining Mahmoud Salah, the leader of a military group in Niger, at a military base. Salah, who previously collaborated with Hassan al-Zadma, has been held since his capture in February 2025. According to the report, Salah is being kept at a military base near the city of Murzuq, in the Fezzan region of Libya.
The report stated that Salah's detention is an ongoing situation, with his captors taking measures to ensure he does not escape or engage in any further military or political initiatives. Despite his official detention period ending in June, Salah remains under close supervision. A commander of the 87th Rapid Intervention Brigade, Mohamed al-Mazoqi, has been tasked with monitoring Salah and his 400-strong contingent.
The detention of Salah is reportedly linked to a recent prisoner exchange between the military council in Niger and Libya. In August, 18 Libyan prisoners, including a key intelligence officer, were handed over to Tripoli. However, Khalifa Haftar's forces wanted the prisoners to be sent to Benghazi, leading to Salah's detention as a form of leverage.
According to Africa Intelligence, Saddam Haftar views Salah as a significant threat due to his historical ties with Hassan al-Zadma and the influential Oulad Slimane tribe. Salah's detention is seen as crucial in maintaining the military balance in Fezzan, particularly as Tripoli supports operations led by Mohamed Wordogou against Haftar's forces.
Hassan al-Zadma, a prominent figure in the Oulad Slimane tribe, has had a long-standing relationship with Salah. As a former commander of the 128th Libyan National Army brigade in Fezzan, Salah's detention has significant implications for regional dynamics. His capture and detention have added to tensions between Haftar's forces and the military council in Niger.
The detention of Mahmoud Salah has sparked concerns over the humanitarian and diplomatic implications of the situation. The incident has raised questions about the treatment of prisoners and the adherence to international law in conflict zones. Efforts to address the situation and secure Salah's release have not been publicly disclosed.
The situation remains complex, with multiple factors at play, including regional power struggles and shifting alliances. As the detention continues, the international community is closely monitoring developments, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Key points
- Forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar are detaining Mahmoud Salah, a Nigerien military leader, at a military base in Libya.
- The detention is linked to a prisoner exchange between the military council in Niger and Libya.
- Salah's detention has significant implications for regional dynamics and the military balance in Fezzan.
