In first, Libya’s rival armies to join drill in Turkey: What to know
The move follows the first joint exercise inside Libya amid renewed international efforts to unify the country.
ANKARA — Rival Libyan military factions have for the first time deployed abroad together for a major exercise in Turkey, as part of renewed international efforts to unify Libya.
Rare show of unity: Libya has been divided since 2014 between a Tripoli-based, UN-recognized government and a rival eastern administration in Benghazi effectively led by warlord Khalifa Hifter, commander of the Libyan National Army.
The Turkish Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that Libyan military personnel from Benghazi had arrived in Turkey to join the Efes 2026 military exercise from April 11 to May 21, alongside troops from Tripoli.
The ministry described the deployment as part of efforts to achieve “one Libya, one Army,” in an X post.
