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.
UNSMIL rejects ‘fake news’ about Bathily’s readiness to announce a new roadmap
On 28 December 2022, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) released a statement rejecting ‘fake news’ that UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Abdoulaye Bathily was planning to announce a new roadmap and form a new Libyan government. UNSMIL...
Haftar gives speech at Benghazi rally, announces ‘final opportunity’ to draw election roadmap
On 24 December, the Head of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar gave a speech at a rally in Benghazi where he declared ‘a final opportunity’ for the country’s political elite to formalise a roadmap for holding elections. Haftar stated that ‘only Libyans are...
Pushback against Joint Force in Misrata
In recent weeks there have been signs of a pushback against the Joint Operations Force (JOF) in Misrata. On 20 December, the Mayor and local leaders from Misrata issued a statement criticising the JOF for its role in kidnapping and intimidating citizens. The statement...
33 former IS members found guilty of crimes in Sabratha, 17 sentenced to death
On 19 December, the Attorney General issued a statement declaring the end of the Tripoli Criminal Court’s trial of 33 individuals accused of being former members of the Islamic State (IS). The defendants stood accused of conducting armed attacks in Sabratha,...
Bathily hints at alternative mechanism should the HoR and HSC not finalise basis for elections
On 16 December, UN Special Envoy to Libya and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily, addressed the UN Security Council (UNSC). Bathily expressed concern about signs of a partition in Libya, calling on Libya’s political rivals (i.e., the...
Maltese police intercept British private military contractors en route to Libya
On 15 December, the Maltese newspaper MaltaToday reported that a group of 14 British private military contractors (PMCs) were intercepted by Maltese police on 10 December before boarding a private flight to Libya. The men were later released without charge, but they...
73rd Infantry Brigade deployed in Murzuq
On 7 December, the Libyan National Army (LNA) announced that the 73rd Infantry Brigade was deployed in Murzuq. Munther al-Khartoush, the LNA spokesperson, remarked that this deployment is part of the LNA's continuing operations to secure and protect Libya’s southern...
MSF rescues 90 people off the coast of Libya
On 6 December, the international NGO Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors without Borders, announced that they had rescued 90 people off of Libya’s coast. They reported that 90 people were on a rubber boat that had left Libya on the evening of 5...
Haftar gives speech in Ajdabiya confirming his candidacy in elections
On 4 December, preparations took place for the Commander of the Libyan National Army, Khalifa Haftar, to arrive the following day in Ajdabiya (approximately 150km south of Benghazi). Ahead of Haftar’s arrival, the LNA’s 166 Brigade arrived in the city and transferred...