US commander suggests sending military trainers to Tunisia after Russia sends aircraft to Libya

Jared Szuba

Jun 1, 2020

A Tunisian security forces tank is seen through a car window at Dhiba by the Tunisian and Libyan border crossing, Tunisia April 11, 2016. Tunisia's 2011 uprising created fertile ground for jihadist recruiters. Hundreds of Islamist militants were freed from prison as part of an amnesty for those detained under Ben Ali. Ultra-conservative salafists began to flex their muscle, seizing control of mosques and clashing with secularists. As Tunisia's politics have stabilised, the government has reasserted control, — A Tunisian security forces tank is seen through a car window at Dhiba by the Tunisian and Libyan border crossing, Tunisia April 11, 2016. — Reuters/Zorha Bensemra

The top US military commander for operations in Africa suggested sending US Army trainers to Tunisia in light of Russia’s military involvement in neighboring Libya’s civil war.

“As Russia continues to fan the flames of the Libyan conflict, regional security in North Africa is a heightened concern,” AFRICOM commander US Army Gen. Stephen Townsend said in a press release May 29.

“We’re looking at new ways to address mutual security concerns with Tunisia, including the use of our Security Force Assistance Brigade.” The command later clarified that the unit does not include combat forces.

AFRICOM issued the statement after Townsend spoke on the phone with Tunisian Defense Minister Imad Hazgui on Thursday.

US commander suggests sending military trainers to Tunisia after Russia sends aircraft to Libya

Backed by military contractors, Russia deployed military fighter jets to Al Jufra Airfield in Libya, prompting the US Army to consider sending military training personnel to neighboring Tunisia.

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