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.
Meloni under investigation over release of Libyan war crime suspect
On 28 January, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said in a message posted on social media that she had been placed under judicial investigation following a government decision to release a Libyan militia leader, Osama Najeem (aka al-Masri) wanted by the International Criminal...
Turkish combat drone crashed near al-Ajilat
On 28 January in the morning, a combat drone of the Turkish Bayraktar Akıncı type crashed in the Suwainiya area, 15 km west of al-Ajilat, south of Sabratha in northwestern Tripolitania. According to its rondelles, the crashed drone belonged to the Libyan Air Force....
EU ambassador Orlando meets with Haftar in Benghazi
The EU Ambassador Nicola Orlando and his delegation visited Benghazi 24 – 26 January, meeting several key stakeholders. In his meeting with Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar, Orlando said they will ‘explore opportunities for increased cooperation...
War crime suspect Osama Najeem released by Italy and returned to Tripoli
On 21 January in the evening, Osama Najeem (aka al-Masri) was released by the Italian authorities and flown back to Tripoli on board a business jet belonging to the Italian government. He was given a tri-umphant welcome by his supporters in Tripoli-Mitiga. Social...
Berndt discusses political process and reconciliation with eastern Libyan actors
US Charge d’Affaires Jeremy Berndt discussed security cooperation and ‘how the United States can best support Libyan efforts to unify and professionalize military institutions’ in meetings with Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Security Units Khaled...
Italy arrests senior judicial police officer based on ICC warrant
On 19 January, the Italian authorities arrested Osama Najeem (aka al-Masri) in Turin acting on a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over war crimes accusations. According to Italian reports, Najeem was caught in a hotel following a tip from Interpol...
President Sisi hosts Haftar in Cairo
On 18 January, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar in Cairo in the presence of the Director of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service Hassan Mahmoud Rashad. According to the spokesperson for the Egyptian...
UN extends and expands Libya sanctions
On 16 January, the UN Security Council discussed the Sanctions Regime on Libya and adopted resolution 2769 (2025) by a vote of 14 in favour to none against, with one abstention (Russian Federation). The resolution demanded full compliance with the arms embargo, called...
Russians reportedly move to new base near Chadian border
On 14 January, the Italian Agenzia Nova news agency reported that ‘according to well-informed Libyan sources’, Russia is transferring men and equipment to the Maatan al-Sarah (Ma’tan as Sarah) airbase in the southeast of Libya. According to the report, Syrian soldiers...