Turkey courts Libya's rival factions in bid to further Mediterranean ambitions

A graduation ceremony of soldiers loyal to Libya's UN-recognised Government of National Accord, a result of a military training agreement with Turkey, at the Omar Mukhtar camp in the city of Tajoura, on 21 November 2020. © Mahmud TURKIA / AFP

In a bold move by Ankara, Turkey this week brought together Libya’s two rival militaries for international exercises. While firmly supporting the Tripoli-based regime, Turkey is now extending an olive branch to the Benghazi administration, aiming to steady Libya and broaden its sway across the region.

For the first time, Libya’s two military forces participated internationally together under one flag. According to the Turkish defence ministry, 501 personnel from both Libyan armies joined Turkey’s Efes 2026 military exercises.