U.S. Marines and Libyan naval special forces participated in joint training in Bizerte, Tunisia as part of the multinational exercise Phoenix Express 2026, which focuses on strengthening maritime security in the Mediterranean.
The multinational maritime exercise was organised by the United States in partnership with
the Tunisian Navy.
The U.S. Department of Defence announced the event on Thursday, highlighting the strengthening of international cooperation regarding maritime security.
According to U.S. authorities, military personnel from both nations carried out visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) exercises – operations designed to improve the interoperability of forces engaged in monitoring and securing maritime areas.
The 21st edition of Phoenix Express began on September 7 at the La Goulette naval base near Tunis. Led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet through U.S. Naval Forces Africa, the twelve-day exercise is organized by the Tunisian Navy.
It is part of a cooperative framework bringing together African, European, and American partners around the shared goal of enhancing maritime capabilities.
Activities focus on coordinating maritime operations, improving joint procedures, and developing expertise in maritime security missions across the southern Mediterranean – a region of strategic importance for trade and regional security.
Phoenix Express 2026 brings together naval units from thirteen countries: Algeria, Belgium, Egypt, France, Georgia, Italy, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the
United States.
This broad participation demonstrates the partners’ commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges in the region.
MK/AK/Sf/fss/as/APA