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.
Human rights activist Abdel-Ati released as UNSMIL & EU condemn arbitrary arrest
On 25 March, UNSMIL called for the immediate release of political activist Al-Mahdi Abdul-Ati, who was arbitrarily arrested and detained in Misrata on 18 March reportedly by the Internal Security Agency. UNSMIL said ‘this arrest and detention appear to be in violation...
Drifting Russian tanker initially towed towards Misrata with Egyptian expert support
On 24 March, Libyan officials said that they had brought the Russian LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz under control while it was drifting inside of Libya’s territorial waters near Zuwara towards Libya’s western coast. The tanker was tilting on one side, with its hull...
MoI confirms explosives were found near Sharara pipeline
Late on 24 March, the Government of National Unity's (GNU) Ministry of Interior confirmed that it had instructed the Criminal Investigations Department to send specialized teams to inspect the explosion site on the Sharara – Zawiyya pipeline in the Hamada area...
Tripoli Eid brawl condemned for fuelling hatred against migrants
On 23 March, a brawl erupted on Tripoli's Corniche between groups of Libyan teenagers and migrants who were attending a large annual Eid celebration attended by hundreds of migrants. The exact trigger for the fight remains unclear. Libya's National Institution for...
LNA restructures its southern forces
On 22 March, as part of the Eid occasion, Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar delivered a speech on the sidelines of a meeting with elders and LNA officials. Haftar reiterated that the LNA stands ready to defend Libya and its borders. Haftar also...
Increasing number of assassinations takes place in Zawiyya
On 22 March, clashes broke out in Zawiyya, centred in the Dila-Qamouda area. Local human rights organizations confirmed at least one fatality and advised civilians to remain indoors as heavy gunfire intensified. The fighting was between the ‘Sons of Jinn’ and the...
Sufi shrine attacked in Misrata
On 21 March late at night, unknown assailants reportedly blew up Zawiat Madani ( a Sufi shrine) in Misrata.
Benghazi resident disappeared
On 20 March, the family of Ehab Shamsaddin Nasser reported to the NIHRL that Nasser had been kidnapped from in front of his residential building in the Kish district of Benghazi, on 19 February. Despite informing the police and Benghazi Security Directorate, his fate...
NOC hires company to manage damaged Russian tanker off Libyan coast
On 21 March, the NOC announced that through its subsidiary Mellitah Oil & Gas and in cooperation with Italy’s Eni, an international company in has been contracted to handle the damaged Russian gas tanker currently drifting off the Libyan coast. The NOC said the...