Whistleblowers expose illegal Libyan military training in S Africa

Ninety-five Libyans deported from South Africa last month were actually training as special forces for an eastern Libyan commander, not for security guard roles as claimed. Whistleblowers revealed they were monitored via webcam.

The group was receiving advanced military training for Khalifa Haftar’s faction, not just security guard instruction. Pictures and videos published by Rapport show them in camouflage, performing military drills.

On July 26, police raided their camp near White River, about 360 kilometers east of Johannesburg, detaining the men. They were in South Africa on study visas intended for security guard training, which were found to be irregular.

The visas were canceled, and the 95 men were deported on August 18. South Africa’s Foreign Military Assistance Act prohibits providing military training to foreign nationals from conflict zones.

Sources claimed some Libyans were former ISIS fighters paid to join Haftar’s forces. They underwent sniper, parachute, and sea survival training. Training was overseen via webcam by a senior general from Libya. The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority is investigating.

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