On 2 April, the Govenrment of National Unity (GNU) announced that AFRICOM’s Operation Flintlock, which is being hosted in Sirte for the first time, will begin in mid-April with the participation of African and European countries alongside international partners. The GNU reported that the exercises will focus on counterterrorism, raising combat readiness, exchanging military expertise, strengthening international coordination and developing special operations.
The GNU said that these exercises are important for Libya as they will be supporting the unification of the military institution, improving the efficiency of officers and personnel, developing counterterrorism capabilities, enhancing Libya’s international standing and confirming Libya’s ability to host international training exercises. The GNU shared a video of Ministry of Defense units preparing to head to Sirte.