Developing military cooperation between the United States and Libya was discussed in a meeting in Tripoli, with a focus on special forces training and strengthening defense capabilities.
Libya’s Chief of Staff, Salahaddin al-Namroush, who is affiliated with the Government of National Unity, received Claude Theodore, an official with the US Africa Command’s Special Operations Command, at his office in the capital Tripoli on Thursday. No statement was issued on how long the meeting lasted.
Training and preparations for Flintlock 2027
According to a statement by the Libyan General Staff, the sides discussed training and professional development programs for Libya’s special forces. The programs aim to enhance the units’ combat and field capabilities and strengthen their capacity to counter security and terrorist threats.
The meeting also reviewed the logistical and technical arrangements and preparations required for Libyan forces to participate in the Flintlock 2027 exercise.
Part of the US-led multinational Flintlock 2026 exercise was held in mid-April in Sirte, in central Libya. Forces from both sides of the military conflict in Libya and from more than 30 countries took part in the exercise.
Forces in eastern Libya had previously announced that an agreement had been reached for Libya to host the main phase of Flintlock 2027, citing the success of the Flintlock 2026 exercise.
Goal of a unified military structure
The importance of supporting the unification of Libya’s military institution was also highlighted during the meeting between al-Namroush and Theodore. The sides said that increasing coordination and cooperation among the institution’s various components would strengthen stability and contribute to establishing a unified military structure capable of carrying out its duties effectively.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of the partnership in supporting stability, strengthening border security, protecting critical facilities and energy resources, and supporting regional security.
Two-centered military structure in Libya
Libya’s military structure is divided into two main components: forces affiliated with the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity in the west and forces led by Khalifa Haftar in the east.
Talks under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya aim to unify this military structure. The 5+5 Joint Military Committee, consisting of five military representatives from the east and five from the west, serves as the mechanism through which the process is conducted.
These talks are continuing within the framework of implementing the ceasefire agreement signed by the parties in Libya in Geneva, Switzerland, in October 2020.
The United Nations mission is also leading a separate dialogue process aimed at ending the political crisis between the two governments and taking the country to elections. The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity is headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, while the government based in Benghazi and established by the House of Representatives at the beginning of 2022 is headed by Osama Hammad.
