Libya’s Ministry of Defense held a high-level meeting on Monday with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) to discuss ways to strengthen military and security cooperation, expand intelligence coordination, and enhance joint efforts to combat terrorism and illegal migration.
The meeting was attended by Abdulsalam Al-Zoubi, Deputy Minister of Defense in the Government of National Unity, Major General Mahmoud Hamza, Director of Military Intelligence, and Lieutenant General John Brennan, Deputy Commander of AFRICOM. US Chargé d’Affaires to Libya, Jeremy Berndt, also attended the discussions.
The talks focused on boosting collaboration between Libya and the United States in counterterrorism, border security, and defense modernization. Both sides emphasized the importance of developing mechanisms for intelligence sharing and improving operational coordination to counter extremist groups and cross-border criminal networks active in the region.
Participants also discussed ways to strengthen Libya’s border management systems and tackle irregular migration, which remains a major challenge across North Africa and the Mediterranean. Officials agreed that enhanced cooperation between Libya and AFRICOM could help support regional stability and disrupt human trafficking and smuggling operations.
According to the Libyan Ministry of Defense, the meeting reflected a shared commitment to rebuilding trust and cooperation after years of limited engagement. It also underscored the United States’ renewed interest in supporting Libya’s defense institutions through training, technical assistance, and security sector reform.
AFRICOM officials expressed readiness to continue working closely with the Libyan military to improve capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Both parties agreed to maintain ongoing consultations to further strengthen their partnership in pursuit of peace and long-term security across Libya.
