
Libya Seeks Closer Military Partnership with Moscow
On Sunday, Lieutenant General Khaled Haftar, Chief of Staff of Libya's Security Units, held a high-level meeting with Colonel General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, Russia's Deputy Minister of Defense, as part of his official visit to the Russian Federation.
The meeting brought together senior military commanders from both sides and focused on enhancing strategic cooperation in defense and security.
According to sources close to the Libyan delegation, the talks were a continuation of earlier discussions aimed at reinforcing bilateral coordination on matters of military training, defense modernization, joint exercises, intelligence-sharing, and counterterrorism efforts. The two sides also emphasized their shared interest in fostering stability across North Africa and the broader Mediterranean region.
General Haftar's visit to Russia reflects Libya's efforts to diversify its international defense partnerships and modernize its security architecture. With ongoing challenges related to national unity and institutional fragmentation, Libya's military leadership is seeking stronger international cooperation to boost its operational readiness and strategic autonomy.
The meeting with Yevkurov is part of a broader series of diplomatic and military engagements between Libya and Russia. General Haftar has made several appearances in Moscow in recent years, underlining the growing military dialogue between the two countries. While no specific agreements were made public, sources described the conversations as constructive and forward-leaning.
The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged the visit as an opportunity to reaffirm Moscow's commitment to expanding its engagement in North Africa, particularly through long-term partnerships in security, logistics, and capacity-building. Tags: Khaled HaftarlibyaMilitary CooperationRussia

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Libya Review
2 hours ago
- Libya Review
EU & UN Condemn Ceasefire Violations in Libyan Capital
The European Union Delegation and the embassies of EU Member States in Libya have joined the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in condemning the recent ceasefire violations that took place during the Eid holiday. In a joint statement, the European missions expressed deep concern over renewed clashes and urged all Libyan parties to uphold their obligations under the ceasefire agreement. The statement emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians and avoid further damage to essential infrastructure at a time when the country is already grappling with political and economic challenges. According to the statement, the resurgence of violence serves as a clear reminder of the need to restart a credible and inclusive political process, under the facilitation of the United Nations. This process must be Libyan-led and nationally owned, aiming to resolve divisions and restore legitimacy to Libya's national institutions through comprehensive and transparent elections. The EU missions warned against unilateral actions by any group or institution, stating that such moves risk jeopardizing progress made toward peace and stability. Instead, they called for a renewed commitment to dialogue, compromise, and cooperation among all Libyan stakeholders. The EU and its member states reiterated their support for the efforts of UNSMIL and their broader commitment to assisting Libya in achieving a sustainable political settlement. They also reaffirmed their position that those responsible for actions threatening peace, harming civilians, or undermining state institutions must be held accountable. The joint statement concludes by calling for an immediate return to calm and a renewed focus on national reconciliation, stressing that the international community stands ready to support Libya in navigating a path toward unity, stability, and development. Tags: ceasefireeulibyaLibyan CaptialViolence


Libya Review
3 hours ago
- Libya Review
Sudan Accuses the Libyan Army of Cross-Border Attack
On Tuesday, Sudan's Armed Forces accused forces linked to the Libyan National Army (LNA) of attacking Sudanese border posts, the first time it has accused its northwestern neighbour of direct involvement in the country's two-year war. In an official statement, the Sudanese military said the incident involved armed movements operating in coordination with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), its primary domestic rival. The statement also mentioned the involvement of units it believes are affiliated with eastern Libyan forces under Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, though no independent confirmation of this has been made public. The skirmish reportedly took place in a remote desert zone near the border triangle—an area far from the main battlegrounds in North Darfur but of increasing strategic relevance. Sudan's military leadership described the incident as part of what it sees as a broader pattern of external interference in the conflict, claiming that regional actors have supported various armed factions destabilizing Sudan. 'We will defend our country and our national sovereignty, and we will prevail, regardless of the extent of the conspiracy and aggression,' the statement read. Diplomats and analysts are urging restraint on all sides, warning that the fragile nature of regional dynamics could allow isolated incidents to spiral into wider confrontations unless clear communication and de-escalation channels are maintained. The war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, whom the military also accused of involvement, has drawn in multiple foreign countries, while international attempts at bringing about peace have so far failed. Tags: Border AttacklibyaLibyan armySudanSudanese Army


Libya Review
6 hours ago
- Libya Review
Gaza Aid Convoy Crosses into Libya from Tunisia
A large solidarity convoy dubbed the 'Caravan of Steadfastness' entered Libya on Tuesday morning via the Ras Ajdir border crossing from Tunisia, continuing its journey toward the Gaza Strip through Egypt's Rafah crossing. The convoy, which comprises around 1,000 volunteers, made its way through the Libyan cities of Zuwara, Zaltan, Sabratha, and Zawiya before heading to Tripoli. It aims to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians enduring what organisers describe as a 'genocidal war' since 7 October 2023. Videos shared by the Zawiya Municipality on Facebook showed official and popular preparations for welcoming the convoy, while several Libyan social media pages posted images of citizens waving Libyan and Palestinian flags and distributing food to participants. According to Tunisia's Joint Action Coordination for Palestine, the convoy includes trade unionists, politicians, human rights advocates, lawyers, doctors, journalists, and youth activists. The group published the caravan's schedule, including departure points from Tunis and other major Tunisian cities, as well as coordination points for crossing into Libya. The convoy marks a high-profile show of Maghreb solidarity with the Palestinian cause, with participants hailing from Tunisia and across North Africa. On 31 May, caravan spokesperson Wael Nawar announced that thousands from Tunisia and other Maghreb countries had joined the effort. The initiative is part of growing regional grassroots pressure calling for an end to the war on Gaza and increased humanitarian support. Organisers said the volunteers aim to accompany the aid all the way to Gaza, pending approval to pass through Rafah. The convoy's symbolic and material support underscores continued North African mobilisation in favour of the Palestinian people, particularly amid intensified violence and deepening humanitarian crises in the besieged enclave.