The Libyan Anti-Terrorism Force conducted the live ammunition exercise “Desert Tigers,” according to the Media office of the Presidential Council.
The Deputy of the Presidential Council and Supreme Commander of the Libyan Army, Abdullah al-Lafi, attended the event in the Namouh area, south of Saddadah.
The event was attended by the Deputy Chief of General Staff, the Commander of the Anti-Terrorism Force, Chiefs of Staff of the Navy and Air Defense, the General Military Inspector, the Commander of the Central Military Region, and several military leaders from the Libyan army, along with accredited military attachés in Libya.
The statement said that the Presidential Council authorized the start of the tactical exercise, which simulated a battle conducted by the 25th Special Forces Battalion with four combat companies, supported by a mixed-caliber artillery company and virtual air support from the Libyan Air Force.
The exercise aimed to test the readiness of the fighters and the ability of the Anti-Terrorism Force under the General Staff to repel any attacks and execute military defense orders effectively.
Al-Lafi expressed his pride in witnessing the high level of discipline and professionalism displayed by the Anti-Terrorism Force.
He praised the continuous training and development efforts of all units and commended the efforts of the force’s commander and his deputies, which have resulted in the high readiness of soldiers, officers, and all personnel to perform their national duties.
He urged them to continue their efforts and carry out their duties with the same high spirit, in dedication to Libya and its people.
Libya’s defence spending in 2023 is estimated at $3.5 billion dollars, ranking 3rd in Africa and 51st globally, according to Global Firepower (GFP), a website dedicated to military affairs.
Libya has two rival armies in the east and west of the oil-rich country. The eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) is controlled by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, while the western-based rival is under the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Presidential Council.
The two rival parties signed a ceasefire agreement in October 2020.
