Military forces representing Libya's eastern and western administrations gathered in the central city of Sirte on Tuesday to participate in joint military exercises.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the parties took part in training activities organized by U.S. Special Operations Forces. This event marks the first time in many years that the rival factions have engaged in a joint military exercise, signaling a potential shift in security cooperation within the North African nation.
The drills, conducted under the leadership of U.S. Special Operations Forces, were held in the strategically significant city of Sirte. This joint activity is the first of its kind since the country became divided between competing administrations, representing a notable step toward military coordination between the Tripoli-based forces and those aligned with the eastern-based command.
Libya has been characterized by political fragmentation and conflict since the 2011 uprising, resulting in two parallel governments and various military factions vying for control. Sirte, located halfway between the capital Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi, has often served as a frontline and a symbolic boundary between the opposing sides. International mediators, including the United Nations and the United States, have frequently emphasized that unifying Libya's military institutions is a critical prerequisite for long-term stability and the holding of national elections.
