Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Faraj Abdullah
Published on 2024-04-09 13:36:05
According to a recent report from the Africa Intelligence website, a team from the American military contractor Amentum has arrived in Libya as part of an agreement with outgoing Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibeh. The purpose of their deployment is to provide training to several armed groups in the capital city of Tripoli.
Specifically, the Amentum personnel will be focusing their training efforts on three armed brigades: the 444th Brigade under the leadership of Mahmoud Hamza, the 111th Brigade led by Zubi, and the 166th Brigade led by Al-Hisan. The goal of this training is to unify these disparate armed factions and assign them responsibilities such as securing borders and carrying out disarmament operations. It is important to note that this training initiative is not under the authority of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
This move to support Libyan armed groups has the potential to provide a political boost to Prime Minister Dbeibeh, who is currently facing pressure from many Libyan politicians to resign and allow for the formation of a new government. Dbeibeh’s leadership has been marked by his failure to hold elections as initially planned for December 2021, raising concerns about the legitimacy of his government.
The decision to increase American involvement in Libya’s security sector comes at a time when the United States is growing increasingly wary of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s support for forces in eastern Libya. Additionally, the recent military takeover in Niamey, Niger, poses a threat to U.S. military presence in the region. Analysts view this as part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to counteract expanding Russian influence in Africa.
The training provided by Amentum to these armed groups is not only aimed at enhancing their operational capabilities but also at fostering cooperation among different factions to create a more unified security apparatus in Libya. By working closely with the United States State Department, Amentum is playing a significant role in shaping the future of Libya’s security landscape.
As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve in the region, the American presence in Libya signifies a strategic interest in maintaining stability and countering rival influences. The training provided by Amentum reflects a commitment to supporting the Libyan government and helping to address the security challenges facing the country. It remains to be seen how this increased engagement will impact the political and security situation in Libya moving forward.
Read the original article on Libya Update
