On Monday, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), met with UK Deputy Chief of Defense Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harvey Smith, to discuss enhancing military cooperation and security coordination between the two forces.
The meeting, held at LNA headquarters in Rajma, Benghazi, was also attended by British Ambassador to Libya, Martin Longden, along with a high-level delegation from the UK.
According to the LNA’s media office, discussions centered on strengthening defense ties and coordinating counterterrorism efforts, particularly in combating extremist groups.
The British delegation reaffirmed the UK’s support for the LNA’s efforts in maintaining security and stability in Libya, acknowledging Haftar’s role in reinforcing order in the eastern and southern regions of the country.
The UK officials also expressed appreciation for the LNA’s role in contributing to the political process by maintaining security in key areas.
Haftar, in turn, welcomed the British delegation’s visit, emphasizing the importance of continued military dialogue and strategic cooperation between the LNA and the UK. This meeting comes at a time when international actors are reassessing their engagement in Libya, as the country remains divided between competing political and military factions.
Prior to his visit to Benghazi, Air Chief Marshal Harvey Smith also met with key Tripoli-based leaders, including Mohamed Al-Mnifi, Chairman of the Presidential Council; Abdul Hamid Dbaiba, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU); and General Mohamed Al-Haddad, Chief of Staff of the GNU-aligned Libyan Army.
In those discussions, the focus was on military cooperation, border security, and counterterrorism efforts. The UK’s decision to engage with both Haftar and Western Libyan leaders signals an effort to balance its diplomatic and security approach in Libya, ensuring that it maintains ties with all key power centers.
