Syrian Foreign Minister meets LNA deputy commander in Benghazi to discuss bilateral security cooperation
What happened
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaybaani met with Libyan National Army (LNA) Deputy Commander General Khalifa Haftar in Benghazi on October 11, according to Syria's Foreign Ministry. The Syrian delegation included the head of Syrian General Intelligence. The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation on shared security matters and coordinating efforts to locate Syrian citizens reportedly missing in Libya.
Context and assessment
The meeting reflects Damascus's effort to rebuild regional diplomatic ties following the recent change in Syria's political situation. The LNA, based in eastern Libya under Haftar's command, controls significant territory and maintains its own security apparatus and foreign relations. Syrian officials' engagement with the LNA suggests Damascus is prioritizing the welfare of its nationals abroad and seeking to normalize relations with established regional actors. The timing follows recent domestic security developments in Syria, including arrests of former regime figures and ongoing tensions in southern governorates near Israeli-controlled areas.
Sources and confidence
Reported by Syrian Foreign Ministry via Telegram channel @AJSyriaNow on October 11. Single source with no independent cross-confirmation identified. Confidence of 7.6 reflects official government channel status but lack of corroborating reports. Confirmation from Libyan or international sources would strengthen confidence; retraction by the ministry or contradictory accounts would lower it.
Location
Benghazi, Libya's second-largest city and LNA stronghold in eastern Cyrenaica. Located approximately 380 kilometers east of Tripoli on the Mediterranean coast. The city serves as the administrative center for LNA-controlled eastern Libya and hosts the main military command structures. The meeting's location underscores the institutional weight of the discussion.
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