A fatal accident during a live-fire exercise has left one Libyan Army soldier dead and another injured. The incident occurred when a tank round detonated prematurely during a training drill, highlighting the risks associated with operating older military equipment under live-fire conditions.

Footage from the exercise, which took place in a desert environment, shows Soviet-era T-55 tanks conducting tank firings. Arabic overlays on the video indicate a standard training sequence disrupted by the accidental detonation. Observers note that such accidents are not uncommon in Libya’s under-resourced military, where decades-old ammunition and aging hardware contribute to operational hazards.

Officials reported that the explosion was likely caused by equipment fatigue or degraded ammunition, emphasizing the dangers of conducting live-fire drills with outdated materials. The injured soldier was immediately treated on site and transported for further medical care, while an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the mishap.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Libyan National Army, which relies on legacy Soviet-era tanks and other aged equipment while conducting routine military training. Safety protocols and equipment modernization remain key issues for the country’s under-equipped forces as they continue to prepare for operational readiness amid a complex security environment.