Benghazi: Senior military officials in eastern Libya on Tuesday engaged in discussions with a visiting US congressional delegation regarding efforts to unify the country's armed forces and enhance defense cooperation.
According to Anadolu Agency, a statement from the eastern-based forces revealed that Deputy Commander Saddam Haftar and Chief of Staff Khaled Haftar met with the delegation, which was led by Congressman Austin Scott, in Benghazi. The meeting also included Talal Al-Mihoub, chairman of the parliament's Defense and National Security Committee, US Congressmen Jimmy Panetta and Salud Carbajal, and US Charge d'Affaires in Libya Jeremy Berndt.
The discussions centered on improving military coordination and supporting the unification of Libya's armed forces to promote security, stability, and peace. Saddam Haftar noted that the visit underscored ongoing US support for these unification efforts and lauded the cooperation between US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Libyan military leaders from both the eastern and western regions.
The statement mentioned that Libyan forces participated in part of the Flintlock 2026 exercise in Sirte, which included troops from over 30 countries. Furthermore, Libya is set to host the main phase of the Flintlock 2027 exercise. The creation of a joint military operations room in Sirte was also discussed, aiming to integrate personnel from both eastern and western forces.
Plans were outlined to establish a unified Libyan air command and a national air force training center at the Air Academy in Misrata. These initiatives seek to enhance coordination among military units, resolve the current division, and lay the groundwork for a unified national army.
Libya's military remains divided between the UN-recognized Government of National Unity in the west and forces loyal to eastern commander Khalifa Haftar. Since 2020, military representatives from both factions have engaged in UN-sponsored Joint Military Commission talks, which include five officers from each side.
This military division reflects Libya's political divide, with the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and the eastern administration appointed by the House of Representatives, headed by Osama Hammad. The United Nations has been making efforts to organize national elections to conclude Libya's transitional period and resolve the political and armed conflicts persisting since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.