Libya, Italy, US launch Flintlock 2026 exercise in Sirte

Libya, Italy and the United States have jointly announced the start of the Flintlock 2026 military exercise, with the opening phase set to be formally marked at a ceremony in the Libyan coastal city of Sirte this week.

The exercise, led by U.S. Africa Command, brings together forces from more than 30 nations, including participants operating across Côte d’Ivoire and Libya, according to a statement issued by senior military officials.

Flintlock, the annual special operations drill hosted by U.S. Africa Command, is designed to strengthen interoperability between partner forces through integrated air, ground and maritime scenarios aimed at improving combat readiness.

Libyan officials described the hosting of part of the exercise as a “historic milestone”, saying the participation of more than a dozen countries on Libyan soil highlighted growing regional cooperation on security and counter-terrorism.

Italy has played a leading role in planning and supporting the Libya-based component of the exercise, providing coordination and operational assistance alongside U.S. forces, the statement said.

Organisers said the drill underscores international efforts to support the development of unified Libyan security institutions and broader stability across North Africa, with Sirte highlighted as a symbolic venue for cooperation between local and international partners.

By Aghakazim Guliyev