Libya’s Government of National Unity rejected claims that military facilities in the west of the country were used by Ukrainian drones to carry out attacks against Russian ships in the Mediterranean.
Libya’s Defense Ministry said claims that Misrata Military Base had been used by Ukrainian personnel since the end of 2025 for operations against vessels described as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” did not reflect the truth.
The ministry said there was no agreement, arrangement or coordination allowing attacks or other military operations at Misrata Military Base or any other national military facility beyond Libya’s sovereign responsibilities. It said no foreign party had been authorized to use Libyan territory, facilities, airspace or territorial waters for hostile actions against another country or actor.
Libya’s Defense Ministry noted that military cooperation and technical training activities with friendly countries were conducted within official and legal frameworks. The ministry also said Libya remained committed to its sovereignty and would not accept the use of its territory for actions that could endanger national security or foreign relations.
The statement called on the media to contact the relevant Libyan authorities to verify information concerning military institutions and facilities.
Explosion aboard the Arctic Metagaz tanker
Libyan authorities announced on March 3 that explosions had occurred aboard the Russian-flagged Arctic Metagaz tanker, which was carrying approximately 62,000 tons of natural gas, and that a major fire had broken out. The tanker partially sank about 130 nautical miles north of Sirte Port in central Libya, and all 30 crew members were rescued.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in comments carried by TASS that the tanker had been targeted by unmanned maritime vehicles he claimed were launched from the Libyan coast. Libya’s House of Representatives’ National Security Committee rejected claims that the vehicles used in the attack had departed from Libyan territory and called for an investigation into the incident.
