A growing number of armed elements, including the Benghazi-based special forces group known as al-Saiqa and the majority of the Libyan military's air bases, have allied with retired Libyan Gen. Khalifa Hifter's self-proclaimed Free Libyan Army, a spokesman for Hifter said May 19, al-Ahrar reported. Hifter's forces have paused their offensive against alleged Islamist and extremist militias, who oppose perceived illegitimate military activity. Both sides are consolidating their respective positions and calling up supporters and fighters from across the country. 

Libya's embattled nominal authority, the General National Congress, has formed a committee to prepare a negotiated settlement in an attempt to circumvent a potential nationwide armed conflict between competing militias, entrenched political interests and Hifter's forces. The Cabinet proposed suspending parliamentary operations earlier on May 19 in an attempt to diffuse the situation. The United States has reportedly sent career diplomat and Middle East specialist David Satterfield to Tripoli to help reach a peaceful resolution.

Hifter's forces are predominantly in the east, but western Libyan elements such as the city of Zentan's al Qaqa and Sawaaq brigades have renewed their conflict with Tripoli and the General National Congress in solidarity with Hifter's so-called "Operation Dignity." Opposing forces, allied with the congress and other national army figures, include the Islamist-leaning Libya Shield Forces, the February 17 Martyrs' Brigade and local militias from regions around Misrata and Zliten. Reports from Tripoli indicate that fighters from Misrata, along with local brigades, have resumed hostilities against forces associated with Hifter's movement in the capital city. Though support for Hifter is growing, serious obstacles remain in his path, which many Libyans hope will lead toward an end to Libya's security challenges and a consolidation of national political authority.