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.
UNSMIL expresses concern over Tripoli clashes and calls for immediate cessation of hostilities
On 3 September, the UN Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL), issued a statement expressing ‘grave concern about ongoing armed clashes, including the alleged use of indirect fire’, in Salah al-Din, a ‘densely populated neighbourhood’ in Tripoli. It called for the...
Selection of GNU-aligned forces to receive training in Italy
On 31 August, the Moral Guidance Department for the Libyan Army, aligned with the Government of National Unity (GNU), reported that the selection for troops ‘to receive advanced courses in the field of special forces’ in Italy, has started in Tripoli.
Syrian mercenaries demonstrate in Tripoli against reduced and delayed salaries
On 30 August, Syrian mercenaries protested in Yarmouk and Souk al-Khamis Camps, due to delays in receiving payments and salary reductions. The demonstrators burned tyres, closed roads and reportedly threatened passers-by. They demanded that the GNU Ministry of Defence...
UN welcomes LNA and Misratan joint unity in Central region
On 26 August UNSMIL issued a statement welcoming the formation of a joint unit composed of LNA and Misratan fighters assigned with protecting the Great ManMade River (GMMR). In an official statement, UNSMIL Special Envoy Jan Kubis praised those involved "I strongly...
GNU Chief of Staff visits Turkish frigate
On 24 August, the Government of National Unity (GNU) Chief of Staff Mohammed al-Haddad and an accompanying delegation reportedly visited the Turkish frigate TCG Gediz located off the coast of Tripoli.
Lavrov meets with Mangoush in Moscow for talks on bilateral cooperation
On 19 August, Government of National Unity Minister of Foreign Affairs, Najla Mangoush, met with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. In a press conference, Lavrov appealed to the ‘friendship and cooperation’ between the two countries and spoke of...
UNSMIL calls for calm as security actors mobilise
On 18 August, following military activity in Al-Shwayrif, the UN Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL), called on Libyan parties ‘to refrain from any mobilization or deployment of security elements and troops that may be perceived as an escalation and may undermine the...
Haddad and Akar meet, discuss Turkish forces in Libya
On 17 August, Chief of Staff Mohammed al-Haddad met in Istanbul with Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, where the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and regional issues of mutual concern. During the meeting, Akar reportedly said that Turkish military forces...
Claims Russia is seeking to install Saif al-Islam Qadhafi as next Libyan President
In the last week, Bloomberg published an article citing informed sources to claim that Russia is working to have Saif al-Islam Qadhafi elected as President of Libya in the elections scheduled for 24 December this year. The report claimed that Russia was applying...