Libya and Syria Send Troops to Turkey Military Exercise
Libya and Syria deployed forces to Turkey's EFES-2026 exercise near Izmir. The drill ran through May 21 and involved over 10,000 personnel from 50 nations. Turkish officials described the participation as part of ongoing military cooperation programs.
Defense NewsLibya and Syria sent troops to Turkey's EFES-2026 Combined Joint Live-Fire Field Exercise near Izmir. The live-fire phase concluded on May 21 along the Aegean coast. The exercise included a computer-assisted command post phase in April and a live-fire field phase.
A total of 502 Libyan troops joined the exercise, with 331 from eastern forces and 171 from western forces. The two rival factions deployed together under a single Libyan flag for the first time. Turkish defense officials said the joint deployment supports efforts toward a unified Libyan military.
Libyan personnel trained in amphibious operations, special forces tactics, combat diving, mine awareness, and search and rescue. A Libyan patrol craft also took part in the naval phase of the exercise.
50 Syrian military personnel participated in the drill. This marked the first time the reconstituted Syrian army conducted an exercise outside Syrian territory. Turkish defense officials said the attendance reflects ongoing military restructuring and advisory programs with both countries. They stated that training cooperation will continue and expand.
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