AFRICOM (U.S. Africa Command) reported yesterday that Libya will play a pivotal role in its flagship special operations forces exercise, ”Flintlock 2026”.
AFRICOM is working closely with Libyan military officials from the west and east to hold a key training location – or “spoke” – near the central Libyan city of Sirte in spring of 2026, it added.
The participation of western and eastern Libyan forces together marks a significant step forward in Libyan efforts towards unification of military institutions and enabling strong U.S.-Libya security cooperation.
The announcement came during the visit of Lt. Gen. John Brennan, U.S. Africa Command Deputy Commander, who spent this week in Tripoli and Sirte speaking with Libyan leadership from the west and east.
Flintlock, led by Special Forces Command Africa, brings together allied and partner nations to enhance interoperability and strengthen the ability to conduct Counter Terror (CT) operations. This year, Italy’s Special Operations Command will enable the planning and execution of the Libya spoke, alongside spokes in Mauritania and Cote d’Ivoire.
The opportunity for the joint training stems from modifications to the Libya arms embargo in January 2025, which enabled security cooperation – including training – with Libyan security forces from west and east, specifically for the purpose of reunification.
“Flintlock 26 will be a tangible demonstration of our growing partnership with Libyan military officers in both the west and east,” said Brennan. “This exercise isn’t just about military training; it’s about overcoming divisions, building capacity, and supporting Libya’s sovereign right to determine its own future. By working alongside Libyans from the west and the east, we’re directly contributing to Libyan efforts to unify their military institutions.”
Brennan took time to express AFRICOM’s gratitude to the Libyan people and leaders for their partnership in hosting this vital exercise.
“The support and coordination from Libyan leaders from the east and west, alongside the leadership of Italy, are crucial to the success of Flintlock 26. We have a growing and valuable partnership with Libyan forces from throughout the country, and we look forward to conducting training that directly supports Libyan reunification efforts,” said Brennan.
The Libya spoke in Flintlock 26 will leverage the U.S.-Libya partnership and bring other partners from across Africa and Europe to focus on sharpening skills and promoting peace through strength to deter terrorists and malign actors looking to cause instability and conflict.
The exercise will strengthen the partnership and add to Libya’s counter terror capabilities, helping to increase stability and opportunities for U.S. investment.
“I was pleased to join Lt. Gen. Brennan for this important visit as U.S. military forces work with Libyan partners from the east and west to host a key location for Exercise Flintlock in Libya for the first time. The exercise will support Libyan efforts to unify military institutions and develop the capability to take full responsibility for their own security,” said Jeremy Berndt, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy to Libya, who was also at the announcement. “Unity, peace, and stability are key elements to enable economic investment and increase prosperity for the Libyan people and their international partners.”
