Who Is Khalifa Haftar? Age, Biography and Wiki
Khalifa Haftar was born on November 7, 1943. As of 2025, he is 81 years old. A prominent Libyan Field Marshal, he has garnered attention for his role as the leader of the Libyan National Army (LNA). Haftar's military career began in the 1960s, and he later became a central figure in Libya's turbulent political landscape, especially during the Libyan Civil War.
Haftar’s controversial rise to power has made him a polarizing figure, with significant influence over military and political affairs in Libya. His tactical decisions and the operations of the LNA have been pivotal in shaping the country's recent history.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 7, 1943 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Ajdabiya, Libya |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Libya |
Popularity
Khalifa Haftar's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific body measurements for Khalifa Haftar are not publicly documented, he is known to carry a commanding presence typical of military leaders. As a general assessment, men of his stature often stand around 5’10” and weigh between 160 to 180 pounds, though these figures can vary.
In November 2016, Haftar made a second trip to Russia to meet with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu. It was reported that while he was seeking weapons and Russia's backing, Russia was holding off pending the new Trump Administration.
On 26 December, it was reported that Russia had thrown its weight behind Haftar, saying he must have a role in the leadership of Libya.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Khalifa Haftar is reportedly married and has children, keeping details about his family relatively private. His spouse often plays a supportive role in his military and political endeavors, although public references to his personal life are limited. Haftar’s family has been touched by the complexities of Libyan politics, but they tend to remain out of the limelight.
Haftar has at least six sons and a daughter. Captain Saddam Haftar and Captain Khalid Haftar are officers in the Libyan National Army heading two Madkhali brigades, including the 106th Brigade accused of abducting Seham Sergiwa in 2019. Another son, Al-Sadiq Haftar, is also in Libya. Belqasim Haftar serves as his father's top political advisor.
Two other sons, Uqba Haftar, who works in real estate, and Al-Muntasir Haftar as well as his daughter Asma Haftar live in Virginia in the United States.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Khalifa Haftar's net worth is estimated to be in the range of $2 million to $5 million. His wealth is attributed to his career in the military and investments in various businesses affiliated with the defense sector. However, specific figures regarding his salary and other financial dealings remain undisclosed due to the nature of his profession.
Haftar has been called a "Libyan oil magnate" by international press articles. The Libyan National Army under his leadership has controlled the oil terminals of Ras Lanuf and Es Sider since 2015.
It is estimated that Haftar's forces had protected the production of Libyan crude oil, sometimes through forceful and illegal means, at a level of at least 1 million barrels per day. Accordingly, Haftar's personal income is estimated to be about 450-500 million USD per month, if at least 5 million barrels per month are delivered.
This sum was deemed sufficient to maintain his power base in the region.
Career, Business and Investments
Khalifa Haftar’s career has primarily revolved around military service. After returning to Libya in 2011, he became a significant player in the civil conflict, leading forces in the eastern part of the country. His leadership of the LNA has been marked by numerous military campaigns aimed at gaining territories and establishing control over key regions.
In addition to his military career, Haftar has reportedly invested in various businesses, although these investments are often shrouded in secrecy. His participation in national defense contracts and military supplies has likely contributed to his income.
Haftar held a senior position in the forces that overthrew Gaddafi in 2011, during the First Libyan Civil War. In 2014, he was commander of the Libyan Army when the General National Congress (GNC) refused to give up power. Haftar launched a campaign against the GNC and its Islamic fundamentalist allies.
His campaign allowed elections to replace the GNC but then developed into the Second Libyan Civil War. In 2017, Ramzi al-Shaeri, vice-president of the Derna city council and lawyers Ryan Goodman and Alex Whiting accused Haftar of the war crime of ordering the killing of prisoners of war during the recapture of Derna.
Haftar has been described as "Libya's most potent warlord", having fought "with and against nearly every significant faction" in Libya's conflicts, as having a "reputation for unrivalled military experience" and as governing "with an iron fist".
In November 2021, Haftar announced his candidacy for the presidential election in December 2021 before it was postponed.
Social Network
Khalifa Haftar has a limited social media presence, primarily engaging with officials and other military leaders through formal channels. His public appearances and statements are often covered by the media, but he maintains a low profile on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. This strategy reflects the sensitive nature of his operations and the political environment he navigates.
Like other members of the Free Officers movement (the junta that toppled the monarchy), Haftar was known as a secularist and a Nasserist. He was a member of the Revolutionary Command Council which governed Libya in the immediate aftermath of the coup. Haftar later became Gaddafi's military Chief of staff.
In the late 1980s, Haftar commanded Libyan forces during the Chadian–Libyan conflict, which ended in defeat for Libya.
Education
The details of Khalifa Haftar's education are not extensively documented. However, he is known to have undergone military training in the United States. His education in military strategy and tactics has been instrumental in shaping his leadership style and operational decisions throughout his military career.
He studied at al-Huda School in Ajdabiya in 1957 and then moved to Derna to obtain his secondary education between 1961 and 1964. He joined the Benghazi Military University Academy (also known as Benghazi Royal Military College) on 16 September 1964 and graduated from there in 1966.
