Libyan actors
Tracking developments of Libyan Actors in Libya’s security space including armed group activity, state security operations and political activities pertaining to Libya’s security.
Haftar and Putin reportedly pursuing defence deal
On 5 November, Bloomberg reported that a defence deal is being ‘hammered out’ between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar following their meeting in Moscow in late September. According to Bloomberg, Haftar is...
Grand Mufti calls for release of Hamas prisoners
On 3 November, Grand Mufti al-Sadiq al-Ghariani demanded the release of a Hamas cell imprisoned in Mitiga. The men were convicted of murder, building bombs for the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council (BRSC) and conducting bomb attacks. Al-Ghariani stated that it is a...
Zliten ammunition depot explodes
On 1 November, a weapons and ammunition depot located in the June 9th residential area of Zliten exploded. After the explosion, a fire broke out. Due to a series of further explosions of ammunition, the surrounding area was evacuated. Some shells or rockets impacted 4...
GNU forces establish checkpoints south of Ghariyan in Qarayyat
On 31 October, Abdussalam al-Zubi, the head of the Government of National Unity's (GNU) newly formed Joint Operations Room for the Defence of the Western and Southwestern Regions, ordered units to establish checkpoints from Ghariyan to the Qarayyat region further...
Wagner forces on alert as GNU forces mobilise south of Ghariyan
On 31 October, there were reports that Wagner fighters stationed at Brak al-Shatti airbase, around 300km south of al-Shuwayrif, were on high alert following the mobilisation of forces aligned with the Government of National Unity (GNU) to Ghariyan. They were...
GNU mobilises forces as clashes erupt in Ghariyan following return of Adel Daab
On 29 October, there were clashes in mountain town of Ghariyan, 80 kilometres south of Tripoli, between forces aligned with the Government of National Unity (GNU), including the local branch of the Stabilisation Support Apparatus of Abdul-Ghani al-Kikli (aka...
HoR and HSC demand oil export ban and departure of ambassadors over Israel support
On 25 October, the House of Representatives (HoR) demanded the immediate departure of the ambassadors of countries supporting Israel in the Gaza war. At the same time, it also demanded a ban on oil and gas exports to these countries if the ‘massacres by the occupation...
Haftar promotes 138 LNA officers including family members
On 23 October, it was made public that Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar has granted 138 officers an exceptional promotion to a higher rank. Haftar's Resolution No. 357 / 2023 was actually issued on 17 October. The names of the promoted officers...
Libyans protest against Israel across country in wake of Gaza hospital attack
Following the attack on the al-Ahli hospital in Gaza on 18 October, there was an uptick in anti-Israeli anger and protests in Libya. On the afternoon of 20 October, a demonstration against Israel and in support of the Palestinians took place in Martyr's Square in...