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.
Prominent militia leader assassinated in Ajilat
On 21 March, Diaa Qaliya, a prominent militia leader in Al-Ajaylat (just west of Sabratha), was assassinated near his residence shortly before the evening prayer. Unknown assailants, driving a black SUV, opened fire on Qaliya and his companion near the Al-Rayah...
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...
Trabelsi outlines plan to address Libya’s migration crisis
On 18 March, Minister of Interior (MoI) Emad Trabelsi chaired a meeting with European Union and African Union diplomats, as well as with representatives from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees...
Fresh Lockerbie documents blame Libya’s intelligence for bombing responsibility
Detectives in Scotland have gotten their hands on fresh evidence from the Qadhafian intelligence services demonstrating a more direct chain of command over the Lockerbie bombing. The files were recently published in ‘The Murderer Who Must Be Saved’ by French...
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...
Authorities step up anti-illegal immigration efforts
On 18 March, the Sabratha Security Directorate, in coordination with the Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency, successfully carried out an operation to transfer a group of illegal immigrants of various nationalities from Sabratha to a shelter in Tripoli. On the same day,...
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.
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...