Turkiye and Libya’s Haftar are boosting military ties. Is Egypt worried?
Turkey is expanding military cooperation with Libya's eastern forces under Khalifa Haftar, marking a strategic shift from its previous backing of Tripoli's government. Despite this presence in Egypt's traditional sphere of influence, Cairo is reportedly coordinating with Ankara on the matter, with both countries now aligned on regional security issues including Sudan.
Turkey has shifted its regional strategy in Libya, moving from dialogue with eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar to concrete military and technical cooperation. The Libyan National Army, Haftar's self-styled force, has long been supported by Egypt and has remained in conflict with the internationally recognized Tripoli-based government since Libya's civil war began in 2014.
According to sources cited by Al Jazeera, the cooperation between Ankara and Haftar's General Command includes agreements on military facility development, advanced surveillance systems, and training programmes for eastern Libyan officers conducted in Turkey through specialized defence companies. Saddam Haftar, deputy commander of the eastern forces, is reportedly leading these negotiations through regular meetings with Turkey's defence minister and chief of staff.
Historically, a Turkish military presence near Libya's eastern border—which Egypt considers its geopolitical sphere—would have triggered concern in Cairo. However, current dynamics suggest unprecedented coordination between the former regional rivals. An Egyptian source told Al Jazeera that Turkey coordinates its Libya activities with Egypt beforehand, effectively preventing friction. Brigadier General Samir Ragheb noted that Egypt and Turkey have reached their highest level of coordination across multiple fields, including military matters, with both countries aligned in Sudan's civil war.
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