Tripoli, February 3, 2026 – The Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army discussed on Tuesday with the commander of the Italian Joint Special Operations Forces and his accompanying delegation the prospects for joint cooperation and enhancing support in the fields of training and military consultations between Libya and Italy.
This occurred during the meeting at his office, attended by the Italian Ambassador to Libya, the commander of the counter-terrorism force, the director of the office of the Chief of General Staff, the director of the training department and head of the Libyan-Italian technical cooperation committee, and the commander of the special forces.
The General Staff stated that the meeting focused on reviewing the mechanism of joint cooperation in the field of special forces and counter-terrorism, in order to raise the combat capability of Libyan Army personnel, as well as discussing the work of the Libyan-Italian Military Cooperation Committee.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, located on the country’s Mediterranean coast. Historically, it was founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC and later became a significant Roman city, with its old town, the medina, showcasing a rich history of subsequent Arab, Ottoman, and Italian colonial rule.
Libyan Army
The Libyan Army is the official military force of Libya, originally established after the country gained independence in 1951. Its history has been marked by periods of centralization under the monarchy and later under Muammar Gaddafi, followed by fragmentation and conflict among various factions after the 2011 civil war.
Italian Joint Special Operations Forces
The Italian Joint Special Operations Forces (Comando interforze per le Operazioni Speciali, or COFS) is the unified command overseeing Italy’s elite special operations units from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Established in 2004, it was created to enhance coordination and effectiveness among Italy’s special forces, which have historical roots in units like the *Incursori* (raiders) dating back to World War II.
Italy
Italy is a country in Southern Europe with a rich cultural history that dates back to ancient times, being the heart of the Roman Empire and a major center of the Renaissance. Its cultural heritage includes globally influential art, architecture, and cuisine, with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the historic centers of Rome and Florence.
Italian Ambassador to Libya
The Italian Ambassador to Libya represents Italy’s diplomatic interests in Libya, a role that has existed since Italy’s recognition of Libyan independence in 1951. The position has been central to managing the complex historical relationship between the two countries, which includes Italy’s colonial rule from 1911 to 1947.
Libyan-Italian technical cooperation committee
The Libyan-Italian Technical Cooperation Committee is a bilateral body established to manage and develop collaborative projects between Libya and Italy, primarily in areas like infrastructure, energy, and economic development. Its history is rooted in the complex post-colonial relationship between the two countries, with its framework often formalized and adapted through various agreements following Libya’s independence in 1951.
Libyan-Italian Military Cooperation Committee
The Libyan-Italian Military Cooperation Committee is a bilateral framework established to facilitate defense and security collaboration between Libya and Italy. Its history is rooted in the broader post-colonial relationship, with formal structures often being revitalized following periods of tension, such as after the 2011 Libyan civil war, to address shared concerns like border security and counter-terrorism.
