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.
Egypt intelligence chief discusses political situation with Haftar in Benghazi visit
Following a visit by UN Special Envoy Abdoulaye Bathily to Benghazi, the Head of Egyptian General Intelligence Abbas Kamel visited Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar on 25 March to discuss the current political situation, especially the status of the...
US reportedly extends its Libya sanctions regime for another year
On 19 March, the UK-based legal website, “Global Sanctions - Law, Practice and Guidance” reported that the US had renewed its existing Libya sanctions regime for one year.
LNA sends pilots to Russia for training
In January and mid-February, the Libyan National Army (LNA) sent two groups of altogether six to eight pilots to Russia for training on MiG-29 and Su-24 jets. The ground training lasted one month and is followed by three months of practical flight training.
Libyan Coast Guard condemned after migrant deaths
On 13 March, the NGO SOS Mediterranee, on their ship Ocean Viking, rescued 25 people who had been adrift at sea on a partially deflated dinghy for a week. They had departed from Zawiyya with around 85 people, 60 of whom had perished. Later the same day, the Ocean...
European diplomats continue to court GNU and Haftar for cooperation on migration
On 12 March, Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar received Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirelli, and the head of Italian intelligence, General Gianni Carvelli in Benghazi. According to the LNA, the meeting...
US State Department seeks reopening of embassy in Tripoli to counter Russian influence
On 11 March, CNN reported that in its fiscal year 2025 request, the US State Department has asked for $12.7 million ‘to enable a potential resumption of embassy operations in Libya, providing operational expenses for a planned Diplomatic Travel and Support Operations...
Saddam Haftar awarded doctorate from prestigious Egyptian military academy
On 7 March, Saddam Haftar, Commander of the Libyan National Army's (LNA) Ground Forces (and son of Khalifa Haftar), was awarded a doctorate (PhD) in Military & Strategic Sciences from Egypt's Nasser Higher Military Academy for Postgraduate Strategic Studies by decree...
EU support for Libyan Coast Guard back under fire as NGO says crew was attacked
On 2 March, the German NGO SOS Humanity said the crew of its search and rescue vessel Humanity 1 was threatened several times by the Libyan Coast Guard in the central Mediterranean, with the people in distress at sea also threatened at gunpoint as the crew tried to...
Dabaiba signs another military MoU with Turkey in Antalya
On 1 March, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dabaiba arrived in Antalya, Turkey, where he attended the Antalya Diplomatic Forum at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. High State Council (HSC) head Muhammed Takala also attended the forum. On the same...