Libyan military leader faces allegations of possessing combat drones

Satellite Images Reveal Presence of Drones at Al Khadim Airbase in Eastern Libya

According to a report by Reuters, satellite images taken between April and December 2025 show that at least three drones were present at Al Khadim desert airbase in eastern Libya. The airbase, located approximately 100 kilometers east of the city of Benghazi, is believed to be owned by Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA).

The images, reviewed by three weapons experts, indicate that the drones are likely Chinese-made Feilong-1 and Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 models. The presence of these drones at Al Khadim airbase has raised questions about the origin and supply chain of the equipment.

Haftar’s LNA has been involved in a long-standing conflict with the UN-recognised government in Tripoli, which has received backing from several countries including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Russia. The Libyan National Army has also received support from Turkey, while China has maintained a neutral stance.

The arrival of new drones at Al Khadim airbase is seen as significant by some analysts, who believe it could reinforce Haftar’s hold on eastern Libya and strengthen his position in negotiations to form a unified government.

However, the technical expertise required to operate these advanced drones is not believed to be within the capabilities of Haftar’s LNA. The question remains as to who is operating the drones, with some experts speculating that it may be Chinese or Turkish forces.

The images also show that ground control equipment for the aircraft was still visible at Al Khadim airbase in 2025, suggesting that the drones were present on the site for an extended period. The presence of these drones has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the conflict in Libya.

Source: Al Jazeera