The National Defense and Security Committee of the Libyan House of Representatives denounced a decision by Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdelhamid Dbaiba, to allocate land in Misrata to the US Africa Command (AFRICOM).
In its statement, the committee highlighted the decision regarding the allocation of land at Misrata Air College for the positioning of AFRICOM forces in the context of counterterrorism cooperation, with this allocation to end upon the completion of operations.
“There is currently no terrorism impact with the presence of the Libyan National Army (LNA) under the General Command, controlling a vast area, specifically in Libya as a whole. The General Command continued its relentless efforts until the liberation of the nation from the grip of terrorism,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the committee noted that AFRICOM issued an official statement declaring the conclusion of military operations in Sirte (Al-Bunyan Al-Marsoos) in 2016.
The decision was described by the committee as unjustifiable, seen as effectively handing over the nation to foreign forces. It urged an end to this disruption in the country and holding the outgoing Unity Government responsible for any foreign presence in the country.
On Friday, the US Embassy in Libya refuted circulating rumours alleging that Amentum, a US contractor, is providing training to armed groups within Libya under the auspices of the US government.
In a statement, the Embassy clarified that the claims are baseless and misrepresent Amentum’s activities. It emphasised that Amentum’s training programmes are conducted outside of Libya and are aimed at law enforcement personnel.
It added that Amentum serves as an implementing partner for the US State Department’s Antiterrorism Assistance Program, which is managed globally by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. The programme focuses on providing training and support to law enforcement agencies worldwide to combat terrorism.
The Embassy’s statement comes amid escalating tensions and misinformation surrounding foreign involvement in Libya’s security landscape.
Contrary to reports suggesting Amentum’s involvement in training militias within Tripoli to integrate them into the Government of National Unity’s forces, the State Department has clarified that these activities are not happening inside Libya. Furthermore, the US government is not involved in training armed groups in the country. This clarification comes amid concerns about the training of militias and its implications for the stability and security of Libya.
Earlier this week, a State Department spokesperson told Agenzia Nova that the US is providing training to Libyan law enforcement personnel. This training, conducted outside Libya, is part of a globaState Department spokespersonl program aimed at law enforcement development, managed by the Office for Diplomatic Security.
