TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – In a significant show of military diplomacy and strategic presence, the United States has deepened its engagement with Libya through the high-profile arrival of the USS Mount Whitney, the command and control flagship of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, off the coast of Tripoli and later in Benghazi. The visit, announced by the U.S. Embassy in Libya, marks a renewed effort by Washington to support Libya’s sovereignty, security, and military unification.
The embassy confirmed via a post on the social media platform X that the vessel carried a senior delegation, including Vice Admiral Thomas J. Anderson, Commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet; U.S. Special Envoy to Libya Ambassador Richard Norland; and Chargé d’Affaires Jeremy Berndt. The group engaged in a series of high-level meetings in both western and eastern Libya to reaffirm U.S. commitment to regional stability and national reconciliation.
The visit began in Tripoli, where the ‘Mount Whitney’ docked at the capital’s port. The U.S. delegation met with senior figures from the Government of National Unity (GNU), including Chief of Staff General Mohamed Al-Haddad, Presidential Council member Abdullah Al-Lafi, Acting Foreign Minister Taher Al-Baour, Deputy Defense Minister Abdulsalam Al-Zoubi, and Audit Bureau President Khaled Shakshak. Discussions focused on expanding security cooperation, institutional reform, and efforts to unify the country’s fragmented military forces. Following the Tripoli meetings, the ‘Mount Whitney’ proceeded to Benghazi, where the American officials held talks with leaders from the Libyan National Army (LNA). They were received by Lieutenant General Khairy Al-Tamimi, Lieutenant General Khaled Haftar, and Vice Admiral Shaib Al-Saber. The Benghazi visit marked a rare moment of bilateral military dialogue, reflecting Washington’s intent to engage all key stakeholders in Libya’s ongoing stabilization process.
“The visit highlights U.S. support for a unified Libyan military capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and contributing to regional security,” read a statement from the U.S. Embassy.
– photo US Embassy in Libya –
(ITALPRESS).
