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.
Bathily highlights armed groups and human rights issues at UNSC briefing
In his briefing to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 19 June, UN Special Envoy to Libya Abdoulaye Bathily stated that there is a widespread fear amongst Libyans that, should the conflict in Sudan last longer, its spill-over consequences might pose a new...
EU denies helping smugglers in Libya
On 16 June, European Commission spokesperson Eric Mamer denied accusations that the European Union (EU) was helping smugglers in Libya as it steps up cooperation with Libyan authorities accused of colluding with smugglers and traffickers. Mamer's denial follows a UN...
Nine Egyptians in Greek court over Tubruq migrant boat tragedy
On 15 June, Greek authorities announced that nine Egyptian survivors were arrested and are due in a Greek court on suspicion of belonging to the smuggling ring that arranged the voyage of a migrant boat that capsized in the Mediterranean a day earlier. The arrest came...
HRW, UNSMIL slam eastern Libyan authorities for mass deportations
On 9 June, Human Rights Watch (HRW) slammed eastern Libyan authorities for the mass deportation of Egyptian migrants, who were forced to leave Libya on foot after being detained and deported following last week’s raids on smuggler hideouts in eastern border towns. HRW...
Rome to ask Haftar for greater cooperation on migrant control from eastern Libya
On 9 June, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said at a press conference that Rome was planning to ask Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar for greater cooperation in stopping the departure of migrants from eastern Libya. He added, however,...
Thousands of illegal migrants deported to Egypt amid unrest in Umm Sa’ad border town
On 2 June, thousands of illegal migrants were deported to Egypt amid unrest in Umm Sa'ad on the Egyptian border. As of 4 June, about 2,200 illegal migrants have been deported to Egypt. On 2 and 3 June, hideouts of smugglers and human traffickers as well as migrant...
Mishri discusses Zawiyya unrest with Turkish ambassador
On 31 May, High State Council (HSC) Chair Khaled Al-Mishri spoke with the Turkish Ambassador to Libya Kenan Yilmaz about the security situation in Zawiyya. Earlier, Yilmaz met with local representatives from Zawiyya. Officially, Turkey continues to deny any...
International concerns over use of weapons in Zawiyya’s civilian areas
On 29 May, the US said it is closely monitoring the situation ‘with concern amid reports of weapons being used in civilian areas.’ It called on Libyan leaders to de-escalate and protect civilian lives. The UK said that ‘the use of weapons that puts civilian lives at...
UNSMIL ‘closely monitoring’ situation in Zawiyya
On 26 May, UNSMIL said that it was ‘in contact with the concerned national authorities’ about the airstrikes in Zawiyya and would continue to monitor the situation closely. The statement noted the urgent need for Libya to unify to ensure safety and stability and...