Rada Militia Revives Pro‑Haftar Coalition in Tripoli: A Game‑Changing Shift
Updated June 2025
Background: Who is the Rada Militia?
The Rada Special Deterrence Forces, led by Abdul Raouf Kara, were formed post‑2011 to combat terrorism and organized crime. With around 1,500 members, largely former police forces, Rada controls key Tripoli infrastructure, including Mitiga Airport and its prison complex :contentReference
The Revival of a Pro‑Haftar Alliance
In late June 2025, Africa Intelligence reported that Rada has reactivated alliances with pro‑Haftar factions within Tripoli—echoing the alignment seen during Fathi Bashagha’s unsuccessful 2022 coup attempt :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. This alliance signals a strategic repositioning, potentially challenging the balance of power under Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dabaiba.
Clash with PM Dabaiba and the 444 Brigade
Rada’s alignment with eastern forces comes amid intensified tensions with the PM’s loyalist units—especially the 444 Brigade, which operates under the GNU’s Defense Ministry :contentReference In May 2025, violent confrontations erupted after Dabaiba ordered Rada’s judicial-police presence to vacate state facilities, sparking clashes that required police intervention :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
The catalyst was the murder of Abdel Ghani al‑Kikli, head of the SSA, near a 444 base in May. This assassination triggered fierce street battles between 444 and Rada, with the UN calling for immediate ceasefire and cautioning of escalation risks :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Impact on Tripoli’s Security Landscape
- Power rebalancing: The 444 Brigade and other pro‑Dabaiba forces have seized SSA territories, centralizing power within the Tripoli government :contentReference
- Rada’s resilience: Despite setbacks, Rada remains entrenched in its strongholds—including Souq al‑Juma’a—leveraging grassroots support. Subsequent protests saw hundreds calling for Dabaiba’s resignation :contentReference
- Political fallout: The revival of pro‑Haftar alliances tests Dabaiba’s pledge to integrate militias into state structures, complicating reconciliation efforts :contentReference
External Influences and Regional Stakes
Rada is perceived as pro‑Haftar, suggesting possible endorsement from Khalifa Haftar’s eastern camp. In contrast, Dabaiba retains backing from Turkey, along with solidarity among the 444 and 111 Brigades :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}. This rivalry doubles as a proxy struggle between competing foreign patrons. International actors—including the UN, Turkey, Egypt, and the UAE—are monitoring this realignment closely, concerned that it could reignite conflict.
What Comes Next?
The revival of Rada’s pro‑Haftar coalition could precipitate:
- Renewed skirmishes: Increased friction over control of strategic Tripoli facilities like Mitiga Airport and government buildings.
- Political pressure: Realignment of Tripoli-based factions may demand concessions from Dabaiba, or embolden eastern counterparts.
- International intervention: Foreign mediators may push for power-sharing accords or reactivation of the UN’s 5+5 Military Commission.
Conclusion
The resurgence of the Rada militia’s pro‑Haftar coalition marks a pivotal shift in Tripoli’s militia dynamics. As Dabaiba seeks to assert government authority, Rada’s renewed alliances represent both a direct challenge and a test of Libya’s fragmentation. The coming months will determine whether the country edges towards more centralized governance—or relapses into militia-driven instability.
Stay informed: Follow our Libya Security Analysis series for regular updates on militia alignments, geopolitical shifts, and the ongoing impact on civilian life in Tripoli.
Related Reading
- August 2023 Tripoli Clashes: Rada vs 444 Brigade
- SSA Leader Al-Kikli’s Assassination and May 2025 Clashes
- Dabaiba’s Militia Integration Strategy Explained
External sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, Africa Intelligence, Wikipedia
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this post by africaintelligence.com