Libya: Flintlock 2026 - a Important Step Toward Stronger, More Unified Libyan Military Institutions

US military in Libya: Pursuing unity and pressuring Russia

For the first time, Libya is hosting the Flintlock military exercise and soldiers from both sides of the divided country are taking part. It's due to security concerns, economic interests and competition with Russia.

Libya: Flintlock 2026 - a Important Step Toward Stronger, More Unified Libyan Military Institutions

[U.S. Embassy Tripoli] Yesterday marked the inaugural ceremony of the two-week Flintlock exercise, AFRICOM's premier annual multinational special operations training event, co-hosted in Sirte, in cooperation with our Libyan partners and Italy's Special Operations Command. Flintlock also brings together military partners from across North and West Africa, the United States, and Europe to strengthen cooperation, enhance interoperability, and build…

US launches major Africa drills, including rare exercise in Libya

U.S. forces launched simultaneous large-scale drills this week in Africa that included a groundbreaking exercise in war-torn Libya.

Africom Commences Exercise Flintlock 2026

APRIL 16, 2026 – U.S. Africa Command hosted dual opening ceremonies in Libya and Côte d’Ivoire yesterday, officially beginning Exercise Flintlock 2026 — its annual combined special operations exercise. This year’s exercise brings together approximately 1,500 service members from more than 30 African and international partner nations to strengthen interoperability and collective readiness. “I’m happy to announce that our premier special operation…