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.
LNA conducts Shield of Dignity 2, Libya’s largest ever military exercise
On 18 May, Libyan National Army (LNA) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Khaled Haftar inspected the LNA’s training manoeuvres “Shield of Dignity [Karma] 2”. During his inspection, Khaled Haftar also held a meeting with the commander of the 309th Infantry Division and...
More clashes erupt in Zawiyya
On 17 May, an armed group linked to Salem al-Latif armed group attacked the ‘Sunni Gate’ in the Abu Essa area of Zawiyya, which is controlled by groups linked to Muhammed Bahroun aka al-Far’s Counter Security Threats Agency. This resulted in the gate being completely...
Drone strikes against RSF convoys in south-eastern Libya
On 16 May, drone strikes reportedly targeted Rapid Support Force (RSF) supply convoys from south-eastern Libya. Satellite imagery captured on 20 May shows multiple burn scars along a smuggling route stretching from south-eastern Libya into Sudan’s Darfur region. On 24...
Libya-bound Ukrainian cargo plane briefly detained over undeclared explosives
On 16 May, media reports began circulating about a Ukrainian cargo plane bound for Libya being detained due to carrying undeclared explosives. The airplane in question is a Ukrainian Antonov An-12B turboprop heavy cargo aircraft, operated by Cavok Air, which is a...
Anti-migrant sentiment on the rise as protesters demand UNHCR relocation from Tripoli
On 14 May, residents of the Al-Sarraj district in Tripoli met in front of the HQ of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and demanded its removal from the area, as well as ‘the cessation of all activities related to undocumented migrants within residential...
Gaza convoy halted in Sirte
On 14 May, the Global Sumud land convoy, comprising around 200 participants, set out from Zawiyya with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. On 17 May, the convoy had paused outside Sirte due to fears that Libyan National Army (LNA) forces intended to block...
PM office attacked as football riots spread from Tarhouna to Tripoli
On 14 May, following serious football riots that spread from Tarhouna, unknown individuals threw Molotov cocktails at the facade of the Prime Minister's office at al-Sikka road in Tripoli. The building’s façade was significantly damaged by fire - part of it collapsed....
Security forces use live fire in Tarhouna football riots
On 14 May, a football match held in Tarhouna between al‑Swehli (from Misrata) and al‑Ittihad (from Tripoli) in the Libyan Premier League’s championship round ended in serious riots. The match, which was held behind closed doors for security reasons, stopped in the...
East and West agree to conduct joint operations in specific border areas
On 14 May, UNSMIL said that it facilitated a meeting of the Border Security Joint Technical Coordination Team in Sirte, bringing together senior military and police officers from the Libyan National Army, the Government of National Unite Ministry of Defense, and the...