Libya News | Operation "Trojan Horse"

Upfront: Was It Training or Tactical Reconnaissance? Questions Around U.S.–Libya Military Cooperation in 2010

In 2010, U.S. Air Force maintenance personnel conducted a so-called “familiarization seminar” with Libyan Air Force technicians—officially framed as a capacity-building effort. But was it just training?

Some observers argue that the seminar may have served a dual purpose: not just to assist, but to gather direct intelligence on Libya’s air force, helicopters, fighter jets, and defense infrastructure—data that could be used in the months leading up to the 2011 U.S./NATO intervention.

This episode raises a serious question: Was it a sign of cooperation or an example of misplaced trust in a foreign power that ultimately supported the destruction of Libya’s military and state institutions?

To many, it’s a stark reminder that not all allies are friends—and that strategic openness can come at a heavy cost.

U.S. Air Force maintenance experts complete familiarization seminar with Libyan air force maintenance experts.

A team of United States Air Force maintenance experts recently completed a familiarization seminar that is hoped to lead to a continuing training program for Libyan air force maintenance experts. 

Below the context, however, it is just a coincidence, that US "Army/Air Force Experts had the opportunity of visiting all Libyan Air Force bases, at that time: 

2010 U.S.–Libya military cooperation context from official sources:

U.S. Air Force Maintenance Experts Complete Seminar with Libyan Counterparts

A team of U.S. Air Force maintenance experts successfully conducted a familiarization seminar with technicians from the Libyan Air Force, intended as the foundation for an ongoing training collaboration to enhance Libya’s air maintenance capabilities.

Context: U.S.–Libya Military Engagement in 2010

Restoration of Military Ties: After decades of isolation, the Obama administration in FY 2010 requested International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance for Libya for the first time since 1979, signaling renewed engagement in professionalization and officer education.

U.S. Africa Command

Foreign Military Financing (FMF): The same budget request included FMF aimed at bolstering Libyan Air Force transport operations and coast guard search-and-rescue capacities.

Strategic Outreach via AFRICOM: The establishment of formal military cooperation followed the lifting of sanctions and signing of defense cooperation agreements, laying the groundwork for tailored training engagements and visits by U.S. commanders to Tripoli.

    Congress.gov

    WikiLeaks (most important)

    U.S. Africa Command (Important, due to various messages!)

Significance of the Seminar

Early-career collaboration: It represented one of the first concrete steps to rebuild Libya's aviation infrastructure and re-engage in military-to-military exchanges.

Capacity building: The seminar targeted critical gaps—maintenance skills, aircraft readiness, and post-conflict recovery needs.

Foundation for follow-up programs: It helped pave the way for broader training partnerships under IMET and FMF frameworks supporting renewed U.S.–Libyan defense cooperation.

Summary Table