Units from the special forces affiliated with the Libyan National Army’s General Command have moved from Benghazi to Sirte in preparation for participation in the upcoming Flintlock 2026 military exercise, organised by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) with the participation of African and NATO partner forces.
According to the Military Media Division, the deployment forms part of efforts to raise combat readiness, improve operational efficiency, and expand international cooperation through the exchange of expertise in counterterrorism, irregular migration, and joint military operations.
Images published by military media showed special forces units heading toward Sirte, where the multinational drills are set to begin. Libya is hosting the Flintlock exercise for the first time, marking a significant development in the country’s military cooperation with international partners.
Held annually since 2005, Flintlock is AFRICOM’s premier special operations exercise in Africa and is designed to strengthen participating forces’ capabilities in addressing regional security threats and enhancing coordination among allied units.
The Sirte drills carry added significance as they are expected to include forces affiliated with the Defence Ministry of the outgoing Government of National Unity, making it the first joint military exercise involving units from eastern and western Libya on Libyan territory.
The participation of rival Libyan military factions in a shared international exercise is being viewed as a notable step toward greater security coordination, amid continued international efforts to encourage military institution-building and security sector cooperation across the divided country.