Summary:

On 11 February 2026, Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar established the 18th Light Infantry Brigade in Murzuq, Fezzan, to strengthen military control in the south where recent clashes have been reported. The new unit integrates existing battalions from Sebha and other southern areas, with personnel, equipment, and infrastructure transferred under the new command. 

The decision follows a 31 January attack on the Al Tum crossing along the Libya–Niger border, which killed three soldiers and was attributed to illegal armed groups, including militants linked to the Tebu community.  

Murzuq, an oasis city approximately 150 kilometers south of Sabha, is strategically significant due to its proximity to Niger and Chad, its control over trans-Saharan trafficking routes, and its location near major energy assets, including the Sharara and El Feel oil fields. 

Outlook: 

While the creation of the 18th Light Infantry Brigade underscores Haftar’s intent to consolidate control over southern Libya, it highlights the ongoing fragility of security in the region.  

Persistent cross-border threats from armed groups, including Tebu-linked militants, underline the challenges of stabilizing trafficking routes and protecting local communities. The brigade’s deployment also reflects the strategic imperative of safeguarding key energy assets, such as the Sharara and El Feel oil fields, which are critical to national production and revenue.  

These dynamics suggest that southern Libya will remain a focal point of military, political, and economic contestation, with implications for regional security and the operational environment for both Libyan and foreign energy actors. 

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