Turkiye and Libya’s Haftar are boosting military ties. Is Egypt worried?

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that Turkiye is widening military and technical cooperation with eastern Libya’s authorities after years of primarily backing the internationally recognised government in Tripoli. The shift involves engagement with the General Command of Khalifa Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army, which has fought Tripoli-aligned forces since Libya’s civil war began in 2014. A recent Ankara meeting between Turkish officials and Saddam Haftar, the LNA deputy commander, reflects the new outreach.

According to Al Jazeera, private sources said the developing understandings include work on military facilities, advanced monitoring systems and training for eastern Libyan officers in Turkiye, with Turkish defence firms involved. Official language has been more limited, describing cooperation and exchanges of expertise rather than confirming bases or drone deployments. Saddam Haftar is reported to be leading the contacts through repeated meetings with senior Turkish defence officials.

The report focuses on whether Egypt, a longtime supporter of Haftar and a neighbour that views eastern Libya as strategically sensitive, is alarmed. Al Jazeera cited an Egyptian source saying Ankara is coordinating its Libya steps with Cairo. Analyst Samir Ragheb told the outlet that Egypt and Turkiye are now closely aligned on several files, including Sudan, and that Turkish engagement could help limit LNA support for the Rapid Support Forces there.

The cooperation also appears tied to Turkiye’s longer-term interests in Libya, including acceptance of its 2019 maritime deal with the former Tripoli-based Government of National Accord. Libyan security expert Faisal Bualraiga cautioned that the relationship has not become a formal strategic pact, and that a permanent Turkish presence near Egypt’s or Algeria’s borders would raise regional concerns.