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.
21 African hostages released in Kufra
On 19 February, the Kufra Security Directorate announced the release of 21 individuals of African nationalities who had been held hostage in the Rabiana area. According to the directorate’s statement, the victims were kidnapped and held by a criminal group that...
UN stresses armed actors pose threat to Libya’s fragile stability
In her UNSC briefing on 19 February, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo said that ‘the activities of non-State and quasi-State armed actors continue to pose a threat to Libya’s fragile stability.’ DiCarlo stressed that the...
HoR Rejects Israeli media claims that ‘Libya is the best option for resettling Gaza residents’
On 18 February, Israel National News, also known as Arutz Sheva (‘Channel 7’, an Israeli media network identifying with religious Zionism), suggested Libya as the best option for a resettlement of the Gaza population. It specifically argued that cooperation with...
Haftar leads official delegation to Belarus
On 17 February, Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar arrived in the Republic of Belarus on an official visit, accompanied by an official delegation which included his sons Saddam and Khaled Haftar. Haftar was welcomed at the airport by Lieutenant...
Amazigh flag incident sparks protests and widespread condemnation
On 17 February, a group of young men placed the Amazigh flag on a street in Hay al-Andalus in western Tripoli, forcing cars to drive over it, during the celebrations of the 17 February 2011 Revolution. The video was subsequently widely circulated on social media. On...
Misratan security officials detained over abuse of a Pakistani migrant
On 15 February, the Attorney General said it had ordered the detention of two members of the Emergency Department within the Misrata Security Directorate due to their involvement in the torture and abuse of a Pakistani national while he was detained in the department....
Russia denies involvement in Qatrun clashes
On 14 February, the Russian embassy in Tripoli denied reports that Russian jets with Russian pilots were involved in the recent fighting in the south. According to the embassy, there are no Russian military aircraft or pilots on Libyan territory.
West Coast Military District operations expand to Zawiyya
On 13 February, two persons in Zawiyya were assassinated by unknown gunmen. On 17 February, fighting with light infantry weapons took place between the militias of Muhammed al-Baroun (aka al Far) and the 103rd (Zawiya) Infantry Brigade near Martyr’s Square in Zawiyya.
Chatham House publishes report on migrant smuggling and conflict in Libya
On 13 February, Chatham House published a report entitled ‘How migrant smuggling has fuelled conflict in Libya’, a systems analysis of key transit hubs namely Kufra, Sebha and Zawiyya. It highlights that since 2020 there has been an uptick in migrant departures to...