A once-retired general leading a sweeping offensive against Islamist forces has been named Libyan army chief, the speaker of the country’s internationally recognized parliament announced Monday.

A once-retired general leading a sweeping offensive against Islamist forces has been named Libyan army chief, the speaker of the country's internationally recognized parliament announced Monday.

"I've chosen Major General Khalifa Belgacem Haftar for the post of commander-in-chief of the army after promoting him to the rank of lieutenant general," Aguila Salah told AFP, adding that Haftar would be sworn in before parliament.