US diplomacy intensifies in eastern Libya

American diplomatic activity has increased in eastern Libya, with US officials conducting meetings amid reports of Russian military movements in the region.

US Chargé d’Affaires Brent Jeremy recently met with House of Representatives Speaker Aguila Saleh and Khalifa Haftar’s sons, Khaled and Belqasem Haftar, in eastern Libya. The meetings coincide with the UN’s new initiative for resolving Libya’s crisis.

Former Libyan diplomat Ramadan Al-Bahbah disclosed in public remarks that U.S. diplomatic outreach seeks to understand the Haftar forces’ position concerning reported Russian weapons shipments to eastern Libya, a development that could alter the region’s military balance.

The diplomatic push comes as Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dabaiba pledged Thursday that Libya would not permit foreign forces except through official training agreements.

Ben Fishman, former National Security Council director for North Africa, noted in diplomatic remarks that while Russian presence and military unification were likely discussed, upcoming US administration changes could affect policy implementation.

The US Embassy stated the meetings aimed to strengthen the political process, support UN mission efforts, and work towards unifying military and security institutions.