Today in Sirte, Libya, U.S. Africa Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. John Brennan announced that Flintlock 2026, the annual special forces exercise organized by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), will have a key location in Libya. Security forces from across Libya, as well as Italy and other partners, will participate in the exercise.
Flintlock is AFRICOM’s yearly event focused on enhancing cooperation among allied and partner nations through joint command and control exercises targeting counterterrorism operations. The selection of Sirte for part of this year’s exercise builds on previous collaboration between the United States and Libya in security efforts against terrorism.
Lt. Gen. Brennan expressed appreciation to Libyan security forces from both eastern and western regions and to the Italian government for their roles in preparing for the exercise in Sirte.
“We are honored that a spoke of this important event will take place in Sirte, Libya, a city that has previously witnessed strong U.S.-Libya security collaboration in countering terrorism, and will continue to support our joint professional training efforts, strengthening our shared commitment to regional stability, peace, and prosperity.”
He added: “We thank security forces from east and west of Libya, as well as the Italian government, for facilitating the preparations for this joint exercise in Sirte. We look forward to continued cooperation with our Libyan partners from throughout the country to achieve our shared goals for regional peace and mutual prosperity.”
Flintlock aims to enhance military interoperability among participants while supporting regional stability efforts.