On 24 September, the multinational naval exercise SEABORDER 2026 concluded at Abu Sitta Tripoli navy base.
The exercise, which was conducted under the framework of the 5+5 Defence Initiative, started on 18 September. It brought together naval vessels, personnel, and senior delegations from five African countries (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Morocco), and four European countries (France, Italy, Malta, and Spain). Portugal did not participate.
In the course of the exercise, workshops and specialized maritime search-and-rescue (SAR) training took place to improve coordination and interoperability in joint maritime operations. The exercise programme included a command post exercise (CPX), a specialist maritime SAR workshop and practical SAR training, ship boarding drills, asymmetric-threat scenarios and maritime interdiction operations.
According to Libya’s Ministry of Defense, the exercise demonstrated a strong level of operational performance and highlighted the value of such activities in enhancing capabilities, exchanging expertise, and improving cooperation in maritime security and safety.