Libya’s interim Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, has moved beyond recent tensions in the capital Tripoli to strengthen military cooperation with Italy, even as the UN Security Council pressed Libyan factions to support the UN roadmap for political settlement.
Security in Tripoli remains fragile, with heightened alert between GNU-aligned forces and units of the “Deterrence Apparatus” and their allies.
On Thursday, the GNU announced a high-level trilateral meeting in Rome between Deputy Defense Minister Abdel Salam Zoubi, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, and the head of Italian intelligence.
According to Tripoli, talks focused on bilateral defense ties, building Libya’s military capabilities, and boosting coordination in security and training. Both sides also discussed regional stability, Mediterranean security, and wider strategic cooperation.
The GNU said the two governments reaffirmed the importance of “ongoing coordination and consultation to serve shared interests and support regional stability,” underscoring their commitment to strengthening military and security partnerships.
Meanwhile, in western Libya, the Coastal Military Zone held a graduation ceremony for the 3rd Infantry Battalion of the 62nd Brigade. The event, attended by Deputy Chief of Staff Salah Al-Namroush, featured combat drills showcasing the unit’s discipline and readiness.
Namroush praised Turkish trainers and Libyan officers for their role in preparing the battalion, urging graduates to embody “discipline, teamwork, and constant readiness to defend the nation’s sovereignty.”
As armored vehicles and rival forces remain deployed along tense frontlines, UN envoy Hanna Tetteh is accelerating efforts to implement the new political “roadmap” aimed at breaking the deadlock and paving the way for elections.
On Thursday, the UN mission reposted the Security Council’s welcome of Tetteh’s August 21 briefing, which launched the roadmap. The Council urged Libyan institutions to work toward compromises enabling a Libyan-led, transparent process without preconditions, and called on the international community to provide strong backing.
Council members also welcomed the revival of the Berlin Process follow-up committee and stressed the need to unify Libya’s fragmented institutions, including security and military structures. They voiced concern over Libya’s “fragile security climate” and urged adherence to the 2020 ceasefire, warning against unilateral moves that could endanger civilians.
The Security Council emphasized progress on financial arrangements, calling for a unified budget to stabilize Libya’s economy. It also praised the recent completion of municipal elections in 34 towns, commended the national electoral commission, and highlighted the importance of women’s full, safe, and equal participation in the political process.
