STUTTGART, Germany - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, traveled to Libya, September 20-21, to further cooperation between the United States and Libya, and highlight the robust U.S. humanitarian response to the devastating floods.
Langley met with host nation civilian and military leaders, U.S. State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) officials, and U.S. service members.
During a visit to Benghazi, Langley and U.S. Special Envoy Ambassador Richard Norland acknowledged the tragic suffering caused by recent flooding in eastern Libya.
"Our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy," said Langley. "We commend the unity demonstrated by Libyans from all regions of the country as they come together to aid those in need."
U.S. Africa Command airlifted more than 13 metric tons of critical life-saving humanitarian supplies to northeastern Libya. The U.S. Air Force's 86th Airlift Wing conducted the C-130 airlift mission in support of the USAID response to the floods. To date, the U.S. has provided $12 million in response to this humanitarian disaster.
While in Tripoli, Langley met with Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba and General Mohamed al-Haddad, Chief of the General Staff, Libyan Armed Forces. In Benghazi, Langley met with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and General Abd al-Razzaq al-Nadhuri, Chief of the General Staff, Libyan Arab Armed Forces.
"It was a pleasure meeting with civilian and military leaders throughout Libya and to discuss ways to bring about a united country," said Langley. "Libya's strength lies in its unity. The United States stands ready to reinforce existing bonds and forge new partnerships with those who champion democracy, in pursuit of a safer, more prosperous Libya."
U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent in order to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.
The visit highlights U.S. Africa Command's 3D approach, which leverages diplomacy, development, and defense collaboration.
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