Libya’s naval special forces, aligned with the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, participated in the Phoenix Express 2024 naval exercise in Tunisia.
The event, which included military forces from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Italy, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and Turkey, aimed to enhance security cooperation in the Mediterranean.
A statement from the Libyan General Command’s Naval Staff highlighted that another unit of Libyan naval special forces conducted specialised exercises focused on mine detection and removal in the port. These drills emphasised safety protocols, with the Libyan forces practising methods for handling underwater mines while adhering to strict maritime safety measures.
The joint exercises demonstrated a high level of professionalism and expertise among the participating forces. One of the main scenarios involved boarding a “suspicious vessel” where participants conducted a thorough search and detained individuals identified as suspects, showcasing essential maritime counter-terrorism and security techniques.
In preparation for the exercise, the Libyan patrol vessel “Al-Karama 416” embarked on a four-day journey to Tunisia on 3rd November.
According to the Naval Staff, this operation aimed to strengthen collaboration between regional naval forces and improve interoperability of security systems and maritime technology, addressing the growing security challenges across the Mediterranean region.
Phoenix Express 2024, an annual exercise, is part of AFRICOM’s initiatives to support African and regional partners in enhancing maritime security, boosting mutual capabilities, and safeguarding essential sea routes.
The Libyan participation underscores the country’s commitment to playing an active role in promoting stability and safety in the Mediterranean through collaborative efforts with international partners.
