Libya, the United States and Italy have issued Monday a joint statement announcing the launch of “Flintlock 2026” military exercise, scheduled to officially begin later this Week.
The exercise, part of the annual program led by the United States Africa Command, brings together forces from more than 30 countries, including Libya, and will involve coordinated air, land, and maritime training aimed at improving operational readiness and counter-terrorism capabilities.
According to the joint statement, the exercise marks a significant milestone in Libya’s security cooperation, highlighting participation from both the Government of National Unity in Tripoli and forces aligned with Khalifa Haftar in the east. The drills are being co-hosted in Sirte, symbolizing rare military coordination between rival Libyan factions.
Officials emphasized that Italy played a leading role in planning and supporting the exercise, while the initiative is framed as part of broader international efforts to strengthen Libya’s unified military institutions and promote long-term stability in North Africa.
The announcement underscores growing international engagement aimed at supporting Libya’s fragile security landscape through structured cooperation and multinational defense training initiatives.
