The forces of the East and Western Libya have trained together for the first time since the launch of the operation “Karama” by Marshal Khalifa Haftar in 2014. This joint exercise was organized by the American military command Africom in the region of Syrte, in the center of the country.
In the aftermath of these joint military exercises, the United States Embassy in Libya relayed, on Tuesday, a declaration by General John Brennan, deputy commander of the American military command for Africa (Africom), affirming “the commitment to continue cooperation with the Libyan forces in order to support a stable, unified and sovereign Libya”.
Unpublished training
This statement refers to what the Embassy has described as unprecedented training, involving military tactical air controllers in the East and western Libya in the Syrte region. The objective of this maneuver is to promote the reunification of Libyan military and security institutions.
In addition, the military media division affiliated with Marshal Khalifa Haftar broadcast images of this joint training, led by its forces in collaboration with the American Air Force in Syrte. The exercise notably saw the participation of B-52 strategic bombers, as part of the strengthening of partnership and cooperation in defense.
A persistent political division
However, Libya remains politically fragmented between two rival governments. To the west, the government led by Abdelhamid Dbeibah, recognized by the international community. In Tripoli, Mohamed al-Menfi, president of the presidential council, is considered to be the commander-in-chief of the army, while the High Council of State plays a legislative role.
To the east, a parallel government led by Osama Hammad, supported by the Benghazi Parliament, which constitutes the legislative body. Marshal Khalifa Haftar is recognized as the commander -in -chief of the army.
Until now, all UN and regional mediation attempts to unify Libya in a long time, leaving the country in an uncertain political and security status quo.
