Haftar Inaugurates Military City as Foundation for Libya's Army Reform
On Wednesday, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), affirmed that the newly inaugurated 'Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar Military City' represents a significant leap in Libya's military development, emphasizing its role as a cornerstone in building a modern, professional armed force.
Haftar made these remarks during a high-level visit to the military city, located in eastern Libya, alongside House of Representatives Speaker Ageela Saleh, Libyan Government-designate Prime Minister Osama Hammad, and senior military officials.
The inspection tour took place on the sidelines of a major military parade marking the 11th anniversary of Operation Dignity (Al Karama).
According to the General Command's media office, the delegation toured multiple facilities, including advanced training centers, accommodation units, command buildings, and logistics hubs. The complex has been equipped with state-of-the-art systems and infrastructure designed to meet international military standards and support the long-term development of Libya's armed forces.
Haftar praised Lieutenant General Khaled Haftar, Chief of Staff for Security Units, for his key role in overseeing the planning, execution, and supervision of the project. He emphasized that the outcome reflects a clear vision for a disciplined, well-trained army capable of protecting Libya's sovereignty and stability.
'This military city is not just a set of buildings; it is a message of our determination to build a unified, capable national force,' said Haftar. 'It is a model of organization and ambition, and it represents the future of Libya's defense strategy.'
The city includes specialized centers for combat training, tactical simulations, medical services, and intensive military education, making it one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the country.
Haftar added that the military city aligns with his broader strategy to rebuild Libya's armed forces on solid institutional foundations, emphasizing professionalism, operational readiness, and advanced technical capabilities. Tags: benghazikhalifa haftarlibyaLibyan armyMilitary City
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
11 hours ago
- Libya Review
Libya Invests in Afreximbank to Support Reconstruction
Libya has officially become a shareholder in the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) after fully paying for its shares on 13 May. The move marks a strategic milestone aimed at supporting the country's economic recovery and strengthening its integration into the African trade and investment landscape. According to a statement on Afreximbank's website, Libya's accession to the bank's founding agreement in October 2024 made it the 52nd African nation to join the institution. This step contributes to Afreximbank's goal of achieving continental coverage and advancing its agenda for African integration. The bank operates across key sectors including infrastructure, oil and gas, and the export of manufactured goods to African markets. It also supports regional integration projects that connect Libya with other North African countries. Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, Chairman of Afreximbank, praised Libya's investment, noting that it positions the bank to play a critical role in supporting the Libyan government's reconstruction efforts. He highlighted that Libya's membership enables investment in vital cross-border infrastructure projects, such as oil pipelines, road links between Libya and Egypt, and electricity interconnection projects with Tunisia and Algeria. 'This demonstrates the confidence African governments place in their multilateral financial institution,' said Oramah, adding that Libya's contribution will help expand the bank's capital base and enhance its impact across the region. Libya's Minister of Finance, Dr Khaled Al-Mabrouk, representing the Government of National Unity (GNU), emphasised the significance of this partnership. He described Libya's membership as a turning point in the country's path to economic diversification and reconstruction. 'This acquisition establishes Libya as a full member and shareholder in this prestigious African multilateral institution. It is a historic achievement following our signing of the bank's founding agreement,' said Al-Mabrouk. He added that Libya's move reflects its commitment to deeper economic integration within Africa. 'As the 52nd African country to join Afreximbank, we affirm our dedication to building strong trade and investment ties across the continent.' For over three decades, Afreximbank has led efforts to transform intra-African trade, offering innovative financing solutions that drive industrialisation and economic growth.
Libya Review
16 hours ago
- Libya Review
UNHCR Warns of Sharp Rise in Sudanese Refugees in Libya
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that approximately 313,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to Libya since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023. This marks a significant increase of over 56,000 compared to the previous month's total of 256,000. The UNHCR's 2025 Regional Refugee Response Plan estimates that by the end of 2025, there will be 621,000 Sudanese refugees in need in Libya—an alarming 40% increase since November 2024, when the number stood at 446,000. Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent appeal for $13.5 million in funding to continue delivering essential aid to displaced Sudanese in Libya. Without additional resources, the program warned it may be forced to scale back or halt its operations. In April 2025 alone, WFP reached 58,456 Sudanese refugees in Libya, delivering 602 metric tons of food aid and distributing $64,650 in cash assistance to support vulnerable families. To maintain operations from June through November 2025, the program urgently requires an additional $5 million. WFP also provided nutritional support to 4,236 children under five and 1,989 pregnant and breastfeeding women through the distribution of 12.5 metric tons of specialized food supplements. In support of host communities, WFP distributed over $64,000 via cash transfers to vulnerable Sudanese groups in Benghazi, Sabha, and Zawiya, amounting to 5,666 Libyan dinars per beneficiary. The refugee influx continues to strain Libya's humanitarian infrastructure, with both international organizations and local partners calling for immediate global assistance. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: libyasabhaSudanese RefugeesUNHCRWFP
Libya Review
a day ago
- Libya Review
Syria to Resume Flights & Reopen Embassy in Libya
Syria is preparing to restore its diplomatic and aviation presence in Libya as part of a broader effort to revive ties between the two nations after more than a decade of strained relations. A government delegation is expected to visit Tripoli soon, with direct flights and embassy services to follow. Sameh Arabi, Director of Syrian Airlines, confirmed that Libya will soon be added as a new destination for the state-run airline. In a statement to Syria's official news agency SANA, Arabi noted that the carrier currently operates four daily flights serving Gulf and Middle Eastern cities, including Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Doha, and Kuwait. He added that efforts are underway to resume routes to Egypt, although some administrative hurdles remain. The revival of the Libya route aligns with Syria's renewed diplomatic outreach. On May 15, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani announced the reopening of the Syrian embassy and consulate in Libya, saying it was based on instructions from Syria's newly appointed President, Ahmad Al-Shara. 'This step aims to provide services to our Syrian community in Libya and to strengthen fraternal relations between the two nations,' Al-Shibani wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He added that a field team will be dispatched in preparation for an official visit to Libya's Government of National Unity, although no specific date was given. The developments come amid a broader political realignment in Syria. In January 2025, Ahmad Al-Shara was appointed transitional president following the ousting of Bashar Al-Assad in December 2024. His administration has since emphasized reengagement with regional partners, including Libya. During the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in April, Libyan interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba and Syrian President Al-Shara agreed to reactivate the Libyan–Syrian High Joint Committee. The body, designed to enhance bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and social spheres, had been dormant for years. Tags: HajjlibyaMakkahPilgrimageSaudi Arabia
