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.
NGO condemns Libyan coastguard for opening fire on migrant boat
On 10 July, European rescue group SOS Mediterranee issued a statement condemning the Libyan coastguard for firing shots ‘in close proximity’ to their rescue operation, in which the crew had picked up 11 survivors of a shipwreck in international waters off the Libyan...
European Commission says Libyan coast guard ‘infiltrated by criminals’
On 6 July, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson stated that there was a clear indication that the Libyan coast guard was infiltrated by criminal groups. In her statement to the European Parliament, which comes two weeks after the EU delivered new...
Tunisia deports hundreds of African migrants to Libyan border region amid international condemnation
On 5 July, Tunisia forcibly deported several hundred black Africans to the Libyan border after violent riots involving migrants in Sfax (in which one Tunisian was killed). Subsequently, several international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch...
Wagner allegedly targeted in drone strikes on Khadim base as GNU, LNA deny responsibility
On 29 June, facilities of the Wagner mercenaries at al-Khadim Air Force Base in the Kharouba area south of al-Marj were reportedly attacked by at least one combat drone. One Russian Il76 transport aircraft operated by the Wagner Group was reportedly hit and heavily...
EU renews EUBAM mandate for two years
On 26 June, the Council of the European Union (EU) extended the mandate of the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) in Libya for an additional two years, until 30 June 2025. According to the EU statement, the Mission ‘will contribute in the next two years to enhance...
Wagner halts march to Moscow following Minsk-brokered deal
On 24 June, Wagner Group commander Yevgeny Prigozhin ordered his fighters to halt their advance on Moscow and return to their bases in southern Russia, ending what he called a ‘march of justice’ that arose in response to the requirement that Wagner forces come under...
EU delivers more patrol boats to Libya
On 22 June, the European Union (EU) delivered two patrol boats to Libya in a ceremony in the Sicilian city of Messina. The delivery is part of an EU project aiming to ‘strengthen the capacity of relevant Libyan authorities in the areas of border and migration...
Chinese citizens arrested following raids on bitcoin mining farms in western region
On 21 June, two Bitcoin mining farms were raided in Misrata. Ten people were arrested (all Chinese). On 22 June, another Bitcoin mining farm was raided near the Iron Factory in Zliten. Several people from China were arrested. On 23 June, the Attorney General's Office...
EUBAM Libya hosts counter terrorism workshop
On 20 June, the European Union Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM) said it was hosting a three-day workshop on Counter Terrorism with the Libyan Counter-Terrorism unit and international observers. EUBAM Libya operations head Jérôme Buaillon described the...