On Thursday, the Libyan National Army (LNA) carried out its first-ever live-fire night military exercise, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military training capabilities.
Dubbed “Al-Najm Al-Tariq” (“The Piercing Star”), the exercise was conducted at the brigade level in the city of Sirte and showcased the army’s readiness for complex nighttime combat operations.
The Tariq Bin Ziyad Brigade led the operation, carrying out a coordinated nighttime offensive that included advancing from deep positions under the cover of darkness.
The exercise also featured the participation of the Libyan Air Force, demonstrating a highly integrated approach to combat operations. The drill was designed to test the army’s ability to conduct complex attacks in low-visibility conditions, a capability that significantly enhances its operational effectiveness.
High-ranking officials attended the event, including Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, regional military commanders, and other senior officers. The exercise was described as a major step in assessing and improving the army’s preparedness for real-world scenarios that require precision, coordination, and adaptability during nighttime engagements.
According to a statement from the LNA’s Military Media Division, the drill highlighted the army’s evolving capabilities and its commitment to advancing its tactical and strategic readiness. This development comes as the LNA continues to position itself as a key force in Libya’s fragmented political and security landscape.
The Libyan National Army, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, has been a dominant force in eastern Libya, playing a crucial role in the country’s ongoing struggle for stability. Libya remains divided between rival administrations, with the LNA supporting the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR) and opposing the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU).
The LNA has frequently engaged in counterterrorism operations, particularly in areas like Benghazi, Derna, and Sirte, which have previously been strongholds for extremist groups. The army’s actions, however, have drawn criticism from its adversaries, who accuse it of seeking to consolidate power and relying on foreign support.
