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.
Attorney General dismantles Misrata drug gang
On 3 August, seventeen people including several Misrata Sea Port employees, were arrested on drug trafficking charges on orders from the Attorney General Sadiq al-Sour, following a longstanding surveillance operation. Arrest warrants were also issued for a further...
Several hundred migrants freed in Tobruk security raids
On 2 August, Libyan National Army (LNA) security forces managed to free some 385 Pakistani migrants in the Lakhwer area, 8 kilometres southeast of the city of Tobruk, who were being held in a warehouse belonging to a gang of human traffickers. The migrants were moved...
GNU condemns Niger coup as ECOWAS threatens military intervention
On 1 August, GNU Minister of Foreign Affairs Najla al-Mangoush held a phone call with her Chadian counterpart about the situation in Niger. They both condemned the recent coup and the ‘disruption of Niger’s democratic development’. Al-Mangoush emphasised Libya’s...
UNSG spokesperson ‘deeply concerned’ over migrants’ expulsion from Tunisia
On 1 August, Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, issued a statement expressing ‘deep concern over the expulsion of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers from Tunisia to the borders with Libya and also Algeria’. Haq condemned...
Libyan Border Guard ‘massively increase’ anti-smuggling efforts on Tunisian border
On 31 July, Ali Wali, spokesman for the 19th Brigade of the Libyan Border Guard, said that efforts to prevent smuggling and ensure full control of the entire border route with Tunisia have been massively increased. A Joint Coordination Room was established to better...
Juwaili forces reopen Aziziyya roads following de-escalation talks amid unrest in region
Late on 29 July, forces affiliated with Zintani commander Osama Juwaili set up earth berms and closed roads in the al-Aziziyya area around 40km south of Tripoli, temporarily restricting movement to and from Tripoli. In response, armed groups in Tripoli aligned with...
Mangoush discusses Niger coup concerns with US State Department
On 29 July, Government of National Unity (GNU) Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush spoke by phone with Counsellor of the US State Department Derek Chollet about the situation in Niger. Both are deeply concerned that events there could destabilize the region. They said...
Arrests in Zawiyya as protesters demand removal of Dabaiba and Bathily
On 27 July, protests against Government of National Unity (GNU) Prime Minister Abdul Hameed Dabaiba were held in Zawiyya. They were largely peaceful and called for the removal of Dabaiba and the GNU, the removal of UN Special Envoy Abdoulaye Bathily, and an end to...
Niger coup raises concerns of further destabilisation in southern Libya
On 26 July, soldiers in Niger (which borders Libya to the south-west) announced a coup on national TV, saying they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the nation's borders. They also detained Niger President Mohamed Bazoum. The same...