Former members of Ireland’s elite Army Ranger Wing (ARW) have resumed military training operations in Libya, despite international sanctions and warnings from the Irish Government.
Irish Training Solutions (ITS), a company founded by ex-special forces personnel, is training troops of Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar under a contract worth over €10 million. The activity has been condemned by the Irish government, and an investigation is underway to determine if criminal offenses have been committed.
ITS personnel are contracted to train several hundred special forces troops for Haftar’s 166 Infantry Brigade, and training has resumed after a break for Ramadan.
The training includes room clearing, raids on aircraft and ships, covert activity, and sniping.
The Defense Forces has condemned the actions of former members who breach UN embargoes or EU sanctions, and has engaged with the Garda to investigate.
Members have been reminded of regulations against engaging in employment with external organizations or using skills acquired with the Defense Forces for financial compensation.
ITS, based in Clara, Co Offaly, is run by directors Danny Cluskey, Darren Kelly, and Nigel McCormack, all ex-Defense Forces personnel with strong links in the Irish and international security industry.
The company has not responded to requests for comment.
