Turkiye Intel Chief visits Libya, strengthening bilateral ties amid regional turmoil

In a move reflecting Turkiye’s growing involvement in the stability and security of North Africa, Turkiye’s newly appointed intelligence chief, İbrahim Kalın, recently visited Libya to discuss enhanced cooperation on security, intelligence sharing and regional stability. The visit marks a continuation of Turkiye’s strategic engagement in the war-torn country and underlines its commitment to supporting the political and economic recovery of Libya.

Libya, a country that has been mired in conflict since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, remains divided between competing factions. While a UN-backed Government of National Unity (GNU) is officially recognised, the eastern part of the country is largely controlled by General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA). Turkiye has been a key backer of the Tripoli-based GNU, providing both military and political support, particularly during the 2019–2020 conflict where Turkish drones and military expertise were pivotal in repelling Haftar’s forces from the capital.

Kalın’s visit underscores the importance Turkiye places on maintaining influence in Libya, not only for security reasons but also for its broader geopolitical and economic ambitions. The country holds significant strategic importance for Ankara, given its location and vast natural resources, particularly oil and gas. Turkiye’s active role in Libya aligns with its broader Mediterranean strategy, which includes energy exploration rights and maritime agreements.

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One of the main priorities of the visit was to strengthen intelligence sharing between the two nations, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism and border security. Libya’s porous borders and internal instability make it a hotbed for terrorist activities and arms smuggling, with implications for regional security that extend beyond Libya itself. Terrorist organisations, such as Daesh and Al-Qaeda, have sought to exploit Libya’s power vacuum, making intelligence cooperation crucial for both Tripoli and Ankara.

Kalın’s talks with Libyan intelligence officials likely focused on strategies to curb the influence of extremist groups and to prevent the spread of terrorism across North Africa. In addition to counter-terrorism, the two sides are also expected to discuss ways to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking—issues that have impacted Europe and North Africa alike.

Turkiye’s involvement in Libya is not without controversy, particularly from rival regional powers like Egypt, the UAE and France, all of whom have supported Haftar’s forces in the east. These countries view Turkiye’s increasing influence in Libya as a potential threat to their own interests in the Mediterranean. However, Ankara’s approach has been grounded in maintaining a foothold in Libya’s reconstruction and leveraging its strategic alliance for economic benefits, particularly in energy exploration and infrastructure development.

In recent years, Turkiye has signed a maritime agreement with the Libyan government, granting it access to potentially lucrative oil and gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean. Kalın’s visit could pave the way for further cooperation on energy exploration, which remains a contentious issue between Turkiye and other Mediterranean nations, particularly Greece and Cyprus.

Kalın’s visit highlights the complexities of Libya’s ongoing political crisis and the importance of external actors in shaping its future. With international efforts to hold elections in Libya still facing hurdles, the country’s path to peace remains uncertain. However, Turkiye’s involvement continues to play a critical role in stabilising the government in Tripoli, and Kalın’s visit is likely to solidify Ankara’s influence as a key player in Libya’s reconstruction.

As Libya continues to navigate its post-conflict transition, cooperation with Turkiye in intelligence and security could provide the stability needed for a lasting political solution, while opening doors for greater economic collaboration.

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