International actors
Tracking developments of international actors in Libya’s security space including military activity, the presence of foreign operatives and diplomacy pertaining to Libya’s security.
Military intelligence directors from Libya and neighbouring countries meet in Tripoli
On 21-22 December, the first regional Military Intelligence Director’s conference for Libya and its neighbouring countries took place in Tripoli. Other than the host nation, delegations from Tunisia, Algeria, Niger, Chad, and Sudan participated, albeit not all with...
Libyan security actors hold high-level meetings with international counterparts
On 19-20 December, the EU Delegation to Libya and the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) held two-day consultations in Rome with EUNAVFOR Med’s Operation Irini to explore ‘how the EU and Mission Irini can best support the Committee’s work’. On 19 December, US Chargé...
UN delegation visits Kufra as UNHCR calls for more support for Sudanese refugees
On 19 December, a high-level UNSMIL delegation led by acting SRSG Stephanie Koury visited Kufra to assess the ongoing humanitarian response for Sudanese refugees. The members of the delegation engaged with local authorities, partners, refugees, and host communities to...
Speculation about Russia moving military bases from Syria to Libya ramps up
There has been a flurry of reporting on the possible transfers of Russian resources from Syria to Libya over the last two weeks. On 17 December, the Italian Minister of Defence (MoD) Guido Crosetto claimed that Moscow is trans ferring resources from the Syrian navy...
UN condemns arbitrary arrests and human rights abuses in Libya
In her UNSC address on 16 December, acting SRSG to Libya Stephanie Koury noted that arbitrary arrests and detention persist across the country, expressing concern about deaths in custody with 4 deaths, including two women, since her last briefing. She called on Libyan...
Russia warns citizens against coming to Libya
On 12 December, the Russian Embassy in Libya renewed its warning to Russians not to travel to Libya for personal and tourism-related purposes, as there is still a danger to life and health. According to the embassy, this is especially the case in the western part of...
Russia increases military flights to Libya amid US concerns
Since 11 December, two civilian-registered Russian Il-76TD heavy transport aircraft have been con ducting (almost) daily shuttle flights from Russia via the NATO-country Turkey to Libya’s Al-Khadim air base (east of Benghazi) and back. On 16 December, both jets flew...
Koury discusses military unification with western actors
Acting SRSG to Libya Stephanie Koury met with several key Tripoli-based security officials this week to discuss military unification and promoting stability. On 10 December, Koury met with the Government of National Unity's (GNU) Deputy Minister of Defense, Abdussalam...
Ripple effect of Assad’s fall felt in Libya
On 8 December, the regime of Bashir al-Assad in Syria collapsed amid the surprising offensive of various rebel groups. On the same day, the Libyan Embassy in Syria called on all Libyan citizens present and residing there to exercise caution and vigilance. The embassy...