Egypt to open new naval base, shield itself against Libya
Egypt is close to opening a new naval base on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, near its border with Libya.
CAIRO — Egypt prepares to open a naval base on the Mediterranean, near its border with Libya, as the populous country is trying to protect itself against unrest in the neighboring country, assert its control over its maritime boundaries and safeguard its economic interests.
Egyptian contractors have been constructing the new 3rd of July naval base in Gargoub, a little-known port town on Egypt's northwestern Mediterranean coast, roughly 250 kilometers (155 miles) from the Libyan border, for several years now.
The base, military analysts say, will be part of the Egyptian Northern Fleet that guards the country's Mediterranean coast.
"The area where the Northern Fleet operates is full of security challenges, especially in light of developments in Libya," retired Egyptian navy Adm. Mohamed Mitwali told Al-Monitor. "The fleet is well equipped to counter these challenges and defend national economic interests in the same area."
