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.
Zawiyya militia leader survives assassination attempt
On 18 March, Muhammad Kashlaf aka al-Qasseb – the prominent militia leader in Zawiyya, influential leader of the powerful Awlad Abu Hmeira clan, and king pin of fuel and drug smuggling -- survived an assassination attempt in the city of Zawiyya. He was shot multiple...
Fighting in Ghariyan between Force 444 and Ghnaiwa’s SSA/555
On 18 March, a large number of heavily-armed Force 444 troops from Tripoli arrived in the al-Qadamah area in central Gharyan. This prompted a state of alert by the Gharyan Branch of the Stability Support Agency (SSA) of the MoI and of the 555th Infantry Brigade, which...
Trump travel ban could include Libya
According to international media reports, the US President Donald Trump is considering implementing a new travel ban involving a complete suspension of visas for citizens of Libya, alongside ten other countries.
Migrant bodies recovered off Zawiyya
On 15 March, three bodies were recovered from the beach off Zawiyya. The following day, another corpse was found on the shore.
Tensions flare up in Zawiyya after close associate of al-Bija assassinated
On 13 March, Abdurraouf Khalafallah, a former naval officer and assistant to Abdurrahman al-Bija, was killed in Zawiyya after being shot several times by armed elements affiliated with the fugitive militia leader Muhammed Bahroun aka al-Far, while his brother Muhammed...
Trabelsi pledges to secure Libya’s south amid migrant resettlement controversy
On 13 March, PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba chaired a high-level meeting of key ministers and security directors to discuss the challenges of illegal migration, including the security and economic impacts. The meeting focused on urgent measures to secure borders, combat...
UNSMIL calls for calm amid anti-migration hate speech
On 13 March, UNSMIL said it is ‘deeply concerned with a misinformation campaign that is fuelling tensions in Libya and inciting hate speech against refugees and migrants. Misleading narratives only foster fear and hostility.’ It urged all actors to refrain from...
Kremlin deploys ‘ghost fleet’ to send military equipment to Libya
It has long been an open secret that the same ‘ghost fleet’ -- that Russia uses to evade the oil price cap sanctions imposed by the Biden Administration -- is also used to bring Russian arms and mercenaries from Syria to Eastern Libya. A flurry of publications over...
British delegation reviews security cooperation during Misrata visit
On 12 March, a British delegation visited Misrata to discuss security cooperation, meeting with Major General Ahmed Hashem, Commander of the 53 Brigade. They discussed the challenges to stability in Misrata and opportunities to strengthen UK-Libya partnerships in...