Shift in Libya: How Turkey and the LNA Turned From Foes to Allies

WISE NEWS PRESS / BENGHAZI, LIBYA — DEC. 22, 2025

The geopolitical landscape of North Africa is witnessing a historic realignment as Turkey transitions from a staunch opponent of the Libyan National Army (LNA) to a strategic partner. This shift marks a significant departure from Ankara’s 2019 policy, which saw Turkish military intervention halt the LNA's offensive on Tripoli.

Today, Turkey has adopted a "two-track" approach, maintaining its influence in the west with the Tripoli-based government while simultaneously building high-level bridges with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces in the east. Analysts suggest this pragmatism is driven by the need for regional stability and the protection of maritime interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Rise of Saddam Haftar as a Diplomatic Bridge

The primary catalyst for this reconciliation appears to be Saddam Haftar, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the LNA and son of Khalifa Haftar. His visits to Ankara in early 2025 served as the foundation for renewed dialogue. In July 2025, during the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul, Saddam Haftar was received with full official honors by Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler.

This formal recognition was a sharp break from past protocols, signaling that Ankara no longer views the LNA as a rebel faction but as a vital stakeholder in Libya’s future.

Strategic Milestones in Benghazi

The most visible sign of this "new era" occurred in August 2025, when Ibrahim Kalın, Director of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MİT), visited Benghazi to meet with the Haftar family. Simultaneously, the Turkish corvette TCG Kınalıada docked in Benghazi harbor for joint naval exercises—a move that was previously unthinkable.

Energy Security and the Eastern Mediterranean

A major driver behind Turkey’s pivot is the 2019 Maritime Border Agreement. By engaging with the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR), which supports the LNA, Ankara hopes to gain eastern endorsement for its maritime claims. If the HoR officially ratifies the agreement, it would significantly bolster Turkey's legal standing in the gas-rich waters of the Mediterranean against rival claims from Greece and Cyprus.

Navigating the Russian Factor

The burgeoning relationship between Ankara and Benghazi adds a new layer of complexity to the region, particularly regarding Russia’s long-standing military presence in eastern Libya. As Turkey enters a space where Moscow has traditionally held significant sway, the potential for both competition and tactical cooperation between the two powers increases.

For now, Ankara’s priority remains clear: diversifying its alliances to ensure that no matter the political outcome in Libya, Turkish economic and security interests remain protected.

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