In a historic move, the Turkish Navy corvette TCG Kınalıada (F-514) docked in Benghazi on August 24, 2025, marking the first time a Turkish warship has visited the eastern Libyan city controlled by Khalifa Haftar's forces.
Saddam Haftar, the son of Khalifa Haftar and deputy commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), welcomed the Turkish delegation at the port. This visit underscores a significant shift in military relationships in the region, as Turkey continues to expand its influence in North Africa.
The docking of TCG Kınalıada comes amid ongoing tensions in Libya, where various factions vie for control in a country still recovering from civil conflict. Turkish involvement in the area has been growing, particularly in supporting the Government of National Unity in Tripoli, which has often been at odds with Haftar's eastern-based forces.
This unprecedented visit could have implications for future military collaborations and regional stability, as Turkey's presence in eastern Libya may alter the dynamics of power between rival factions. The international community will be closely monitoring developments following this landmark event.
