Libya Refutes Claims of Military Collaboration with Ukraine
On September 13, 2026, Libya's government firmly denied reports suggesting that it has permitted Ukraine to utilize the Misrata military base for launching attacks against Russian vessels. This statement comes in response to a report from CNN, which cited Ukrainian sources claiming that Ukrainian drone operators have been deployed in northwestern Libya since late 2025. The Libyan Ministry of Defense released an official statement asserting that it does not allow any foreign entities to use the Misrata base for military operations targeting external parties or interests.
The Defense Ministry emphasized its commitment to ensuring that the Misrata military base remains exclusively aligned with Libya's sovereign military operations. The report from CNN also indicated that the Misrata base is allegedly being used as a launch point for drones to strike Russian tankers in the Mediterranean Sea, with claims that this arrangement includes military training for Libyan forces.
In a strong rebuttal, the Libyan Defense Ministry categorically denied any agreements or coordination that would facilitate the use of its military facilities for attacks outside Libya's sovereign mandates. This clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions regarding Libya's military alliances and operations, amidst growing international scrutiny.
Earlier in March 2026, the Libyan Ports and Maritime Transport Authority reported an incident involving the Russian tanker "Arctic Metagas," which was allegedly attacked, resulting in significant damage and its eventual sinking near the port of Sirte. However, the Russian Ministry of Transport attributed the attack to Ukrainian naval drones operating from the Libyan coast. This complex situation underscores the intricacies of military engagements in the region and highlights Libya's current stance on foreign military presence within its territory.
As reported by alhadath.net.
