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.
Prominent Zawiyya militia leaders arrested in Ras Ajdir
On 4 July, an armed group leader from Zawiyya, Abdurraouf al-Kabu (aka al-Zaza), was arrested in Ras Ajdir, after returning from Tunisia, based on a warrant issued by the Attorney General al-Sadiq al-Sour. A member of al-Kabu’s group, Riyad Belhaj, was also arrested....
Libyan security forces detain over 200 migrants in Tubruq raid
On 2 July, Libyan security forces reportedly detained over 200 Egyptian and Pakistani migrants who were set to sail to Italy from Tubruq. Following the raid by the Tubruq Security Directorate on a suburban farm in the city, the authorities are said to be preparing to...
20 migrants rescued to Lampedusa as security forces crackdown on smugglers in Sabratha
On 30 June, Mediterranean rescue organisation Alarm Phone said it was alerted by nearly 20 people in distress, trying to escape from Sabratha on a wooden boat about 40 miles off Lampedusa. The group later said the migrants ‘were able to finally escape Libya’ after...
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...
Misrata security delegation visits commander of Wershefana-based battalion
On 27 June, a delegation of security and military leaders from Misrata, led by the Mayor Mahmoud alSoqtari, visited Muammar al-Dawi, the commander of the 55 Battalion based in the Wershefana region. This comes a week after a large delegation from the Wershefana tribe,...
GNU bans foreign security firms from operating in western Libya
On 27 June, French website Africa Intelligence reported that Libya’s Public Facility and Establishment Security Authority (FSA) had decided to allow only 18 of the nearly 100 private security companies operating in Libya to continue their work. The decision comes...
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...