Tripoli— Two US B-52H Stratofortress aircraft transited Libyan airspace while “Libya and US Joint Tactical Air Controllers demonstrated how they would jointly guide B-52s to conduct a simulated mission,” US Africa Command said in a statement.
AFRICOM’s statement details an aerial activity that took place in Libyan airspace on 26 February, maintaining that the “event highlights Libyan military unity and professionalism while demonstrating the United States’ commitment to cooperation with respected international partners”.
Supported by US Strategic Command, US Africa Command said it “conducted a unique training opportunity with Libyan military tactical air controllers to promote the process of reunification of Libyan military and security institutions.”
The joint training mission took place in the vicinity of Sirte, Libya, said AFRICOM, while the two US B-52H came from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
“The B-52s flew from the United States to Libya as part of a Bomber Task Force mission coordinated with Libyan counterparts, reinforcing the United States’ ability to project power globally for the collective defense and security of the US homeland, partners and allies,” added the statement.
“We are committed to continued cooperation with Libyan forces in support of a stable, unified and sovereign Libya,” said Lt. Gen. John Brennan, US Africa Command Deputy Commander as quoted by US Africa Command web site.
