The US is trying to unite Libyan forces in order to push Russia out
Lieutenant General John Brennan, Deputy Commander of US Africa Command, has arrived in Libya. He was met by representatives of two Libyan military factions that had previously been at odds with one another. This was reported by ThePublic, citing The Wall Street Journal.
The first joint military exercises involving these forces took place at the Gardobia airfield near the Mediterranean coast. The facility had previously been under the control of Islamic State militants and was later used by the Russian private military company Wagner.
Libya has remained divided since 2011 following the death of Muammar Gaddafi. One side supports the internationally recognised government in Tripoli, whilst the other is linked to General Khalifa Haftar, who controls the east of the country.
Russia has supported Haftar’s forces by sending Wagner mercenaries and using the territories under its control as a logistical base for operations in sub-Saharan Africa.
The US initiative aims to encourage cooperation between the parties, notably through possible exemptions from the UN arms embargo should a joint military command be established.
After Russia’s war against Ukraine began, the situation started to change. It is estimated that concerns over the actions of Russian mercenaries contributed to a rapprochement between the parties.
In particular, mid-level commanders from both factions began working together at a joint centre near Sirte. According to the UN, four Islamic State cells involved in propaganda and smuggling people to Europe were dismantled in Libya in February.
On 16 April, the parties established a joint committee of six commanders to coordinate the activities of the combined forces. Around 50 Libyan military personnel took part in the exercises, supported by American units.
Other countries have also joined the process. Germany provided medical assistance, Turkey supported the use of drones, and representatives from Italy, the UK, Egypt and France were present at the exercises.
It is expected that this cooperation will give Libya access to additional training and equipment from the US and its allies. This could reduce the country’s dependence on Russia and Belarus.
According to Western officials, a unified Libya could limit the use of its territory for the deployment of Russian forces and equipment to other regions of Africa.
Libya has the largest oil reserves in Africa, but prolonged conflict has hampered their development. Recently, production has risen to 1.43 million barrels per day, the highest figure in over a decade.
US energy companies are once again showing interest in the country. In February, Chevron signed an agreement to explore an offshore block, whilst Exxon Mobil had previously agreed to resume operations in Libya following a hiatus.
In addition, the country has deposits of rare earth elements and other minerals, including uranium, as well as potential reserves of lithium and cobalt.
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