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.
War crime suspect Osama Najeem released by Italy and returned to Tripoli
On 21 January in the evening, Osama Najeem (aka al-Masri) was released by the Italian authorities and flown back to Tripoli on board a business jet belonging to the Italian government. He was given a tri-umphant welcome by his supporters in Tripoli-Mitiga. Social...
Berndt discusses political process and reconciliation with eastern Libyan actors
US Charge d’Affaires Jeremy Berndt discussed security cooperation and ‘how the United States can best support Libyan efforts to unify and professionalize military institutions’ in meetings with Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Security Units Khaled...
Italy arrests senior judicial police officer based on ICC warrant
On 19 January, the Italian authorities arrested Osama Najeem (aka al-Masri) in Turin acting on a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over war crimes accusations. According to Italian reports, Najeem was caught in a hotel following a tip from Interpol...
President Sisi hosts Haftar in Cairo
On 18 January, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar in Cairo in the presence of the Director of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service Hassan Mahmoud Rashad. According to the spokesperson for the Egyptian...
Tensions rise in Misrata over arrest of 17 February Movement leader
On 16 January, Othman al-Taher Issa, a leader of the Misrata 17 February Movement, was arrested by the Misrata Joint Force, which is led by Omar Abu Ghadada. On 16 January in the evening, several hundred protesters blocked the road in front of the People’s Hall on...
UN extends and expands Libya sanctions
On 16 January, the UN Security Council discussed the Sanctions Regime on Libya and adopted resolution 2769 (2025) by a vote of 14 in favour to none against, with one abstention (Russian Federation). The resolution demanded full compliance with the arms embargo, called...
Russians reportedly move to new base near Chadian border
On 14 January, the Italian Agenzia Nova news agency reported that ‘according to well-informed Libyan sources’, Russia is transferring men and equipment to the Maatan al-Sarah (Ma’tan as Sarah) airbase in the southeast of Libya. According to the report, Syrian soldiers...
CIU chief discusses security cooperation and training with Turkish intelligence
On 13 January, the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit, Mahmoud Ashour al-Ajili, made a working visit to Turkey, accompanied by a delegation of senior officials. They met with the Turkish intelligence force to enhance security cooperation and training within the...
LNA reshuffles 128 brigade as tensions rise between Saddam Haftar and commander al-Zadma
After weeks of mounting tensions between Saddam Haftar, who has been tasked with securing the South, and Hassan al-Zadma, the powerful commander of the Libyan National Army's (LNA) 128 Brigade which controls much of the Fezzan region, events came to a head last week....