An open-source investigation (an analysis of publicly available material such as satellite images) by an international broadcaster’s imagery unit, published recently, points to a new airbase near the Jaghbub Oasis, a remote settlement in eastern Libya close to the Egyptian border. It says the site lies in territory held by forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, the commander who controls eastern Libya.
Key Facts
—Site. The investigation points to a new airbase at the Jaghbub Oasis, a remote settlement in eastern Libya.
—Distance. About 23 km from the Egyptian border, an approximate figure from a single report.
—Evidence. Imagery from commercial satellite firms Planet and Vantor, 16 June 2025 to 26 October 2026.
—Unknown. Owner and users are not stated, the investigation gives no runway length (an Italian news agency reports about 3.6 km, not confirmed), and we found no official statement.
What the Investigation Says
According to its analysis, no aviation infrastructure was visible at the site in June 2025. The investigation says a long strip was first built in October and November 2025, followed by land levelling and extra taxiways, the paths aircraft use to reach the runway.
It says the runway was clearer by June 2026, with more taxiways and prepared areas by September. Imagery of 10 September 2026 shows, in its account, a paved runway, a parallel taxiway, extensive parking aprons (parking areas for aircraft) and facilities on the western side.
By 26 October 2026 the investigation describes a clearly defined runway, connected taxiways and facilities. That is about 16 months from empty desert, in its account.
An Italian news agency report puts the site about 23 km from the border, approximately. The investigation gives no runway length; an Italian news agency reports about 3.6 km, which is not confirmed.
What Is Not Confirmed
The investigation does not identify who controls or will use the airbase, and cites no official statement. We found no public statement from Haftar’s command, Turkey or Egypt on the airfield.
An Italian news agency reported that the base is Turkish built and has raised concern in Egypt, which is not confirmed. An analysis based on that report says imagery alone does not prove Turkish attribution.
What It Means for You
Egypt, which borders eastern Libya, would be most directly affected if the investigation is right, while Turkey appears only in the unconfirmed agency report. Our earlier reports on Egypt and Libya give background.
No direct consequence for US readers has been established. For background see our reports on the 370 km Egyptian road toward Libya and on Libya’s prime minister meeting the United Nations envoy to Libya.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the new airfield?
The investigation says it is at the Jaghbub Oasis in eastern Libya, near the Egyptian border. An Italian news agency report puts it about 23 km from the border, an approximate figure.
Who is building it?
That is not established. The investigation does not identify who controls or will use the airbase, and we found no official statement from Haftar’s command, Turkey or Egypt.
Is it a Turkish base?
One Italian news agency reported that it is Turkish built, but this is not confirmed. An analysis based on that report says imagery alone does not prove Turkish attribution.
Sources
Imagery from Planet and Vantor, commercial satellite-imagery firms, as analysed in the investigation, imagery dates June 2025 to 26 October 2026 · Italian news agency report on the site’s distance from the border and its reported Turkish link.
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