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.
Reports of withdrawal of Syrian forces from Watiyya airbase
On 13 October, a batch of Syrian forces based in Tripoli were reportedly repatriated from Libya back to Syria by Turkey via Watiyya airbase. More than 500 are alleged to have departed Libya over the last fortnight. However, the departure coincides with unconfirmed...
FBI arrives in Cyprus to examine aircraft suspected of violating Libyan arms embargo
On 12 October, Cypriot media reported that US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents were in Cyprus heading to Paphos International Airport to inspect a plane stored in a private hangar, following a UN report calling on inspections to be carried on the possibly...
Embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the US in Libya issue a joint statement on Action Plan
On 10 October, the Embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States in Libya issued a joint statement welcoming the announcement of the Action Plan agreement. The Embassies underlined the need for Security Sector Reform (SSR) and...
IOM condemns violence against migrants
On 9 October, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) issued a statement condemning the killing of six migrants and at least 24 injured during a chaotic episode the previous day at the Mabani detention centre in Tripoli. IOM Chief of Mission Frederico Soda...
Irini monitors 36 suspicious flights in September
On 5 October, Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI reported that during September 2021 it had investigated 215 merchant vessels via radio calls (out of 4.002), carried out nine visits on ships with Masters’ consent (out of 183) and conducted two boarding/inspections of...
Irini monitors 36 suspicious flights in September
On 5 October, Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI reported that during September 2021 it had investigated 215 merchant vessels via radio calls (out of 4.002), carried out nine visits on ships with Masters’ consent (out of 183) and conducted two boarding/inspections of...
Mangoush claims foreign mercenaries have begun to leave Libya
On 3 October, Government of National Unity (GNU) Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush, confirmed during a conference in Kuwait that ‘some’ foreign fighters had withdrawn from Libya, describing it as a ‘very modest start’. Mangoush added that the GNU was ‘still seeking a...
Menfi receives US Ambassador, head of AFRICOM in Tripoli
On 29 September, the Commander of the US Military Command in Africa (ARICOM), General Stephen Townsend and US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland, visited Tripoli, where they met with Presidential Council (PC) head Mohammed al-Menfi. During the meeting, Townsend...
Dabaiba travels to Niger to address security concerns at southern borders
On 29 September, Government of National Unity (GNU) Prime Minister Abdul Hameed Dabaiba travelled to Niamey to meet with Nigerien president Mohammed Bazoum. The two men discussed issues of illegal immigration from northern Niger through southern Libya and reiterated...