What is "al-saiqa"

The Libyan Special Forces, (Arabic:القوات الخاصة الليبية), less formally known as Al-Saiqa (English: Lightning, Thunderbolt, Arabic:الصاعقة) are an elite Libyan National Army unit, formed from a mixture of paratroopers, paramilitary forces and commandos. (They should not be confused with the similarly named Lightning Bolt Brigade (Sawaiq Brigade) which is part of the Zintan Brigades.)

The pro-Government force emerged from a militia in 2010; however, the Al Saiqa Brigade has been criticised for its origins which track back to the Qaddafi's regime: In 1990s, al-Saiqa helped to suppress the rebellion of Libyan Islamic Fighting Group. It now numbers about 5000 soldiers and reports to the Ministry of Defence.

As of 2013, the Al-Saiqa commander was Colonel Wanes Abu Khamadah.