On 8 April, Libyan National Army (LNA) Deputy Commander Saddam Haftar said he received a phone call from US Senior Advisor Massad Boulos in which they discussed the preparations related to the component of the ‘Flintlock 2026’ exercise hosted by Libya. They affirmed the continuation of joint efforts to enhance military and security integration at the national level, in a way that contributes to supporting regional stability, and addressed the progress made in the process of unifying Libya’s state budget.
On 10 April, Saddam Haftar issued a statement (in English as well as Arabic) saying preparations were completed weeks ago to receive officers and military personnel from across Libya in the city of Sirte, stressing it is a city ‘that resisted terrorism and prevailed’. He said that hosting this international military event reflects the ability of Libya’s youth to unite, as well as the professionalism and high standards of the members of Libya’s military institution. This exercise represents a valuable opportunity to enhance international coordination, combat terrorism, secure borders, and raise combat readiness. It also strengthens coordination among the participating African countries.
Saddam stressed the exercise is a firm step toward restoring Libya’s leading role in maintaining security and peace at the national level, across the African continent, and in the Mediterranean region. Saddam thanked his father LNA Commander Khalifa Haftar, who he said personally oversaw all preparations for this exercise and takes pride in all members of the Libyan military institution who came from Tripoli and all Libyan cities to participate in this unprecedented military event. Saddam also thanked the U.S. Embassy in Libya and AFRICOM for the ‘high level of coordination’ with the LNA and their commitment to strengthening partnership and cooperation.
The same day, Deputy Minister of Defence and commander of the 111 Brigade Abdussalam Zoubi also praised the Flintlock exercise effusively. He said that ‘this event is more than a routine exercise, it is a living embodiment of the will of a nation that has decided to rise up from among its diaspora and reformulate its power on one undisputed principle: “Libya First.”’ He added that ’it is the meeting of the guns that have been separated for a long time, so that today they meet not on the contact lines, but in the training grounds, shoulder to shoulder, with one doctrine and one goal.’
On 13 April, senior leaders from the United States, Libya, and Italy issued a joint announcement confirming the start of exercise Flintlock 2026 in Libya, with the formal commencement to follow an opening ceremony in Sirte this week.
They said they are proud to co-host the opening portion of this exercise for the first time in Libya, in the city of Sirte, a place that perfectly embodies how joint local and international cooperation can deter terrorist threats to the security of Libya, its partners, and the United States. The statement explained that Flintlock is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual multinational special operations exercise. It convenes forces from over 30 nations across Cote d’Ivoire and Libya. The training will feature integrated air, ground, and maritime scenarios designed to enhance the combat readiness and effectiveness of all participating nations.
The statement said that Libya’s leadership in hosting a portion of the exercise marks a historic milestone. By facilitating the training of over ten nations, Libya’s joint forces are highlighting their commitment to regional security and demonstrating the strength of military unity. Italy has played a key leadership role in planning and supporting the execution of the exercise in Libya, providing essential leadership and resources. Flintlock supports the continued development of a unified Libyan military, foundational to the long-term security and prosperity of North Africa. This effort underscores a broad international commitment to secure and sovereign African nations, led by their own people.
On 14 April, Saddam announced that the Libyan Joint Military Units, AFRICOM, the Italian forces, and other participating forces have today commenced the execution of training exercises and tactical missions as part of the annual military exercise ‘Flintlock – Libya 2026’ in the vicinity of Sirte.