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.
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.
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...
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.
GNU minister wounded in assassination attempt in Tripoli
On 12 February in the morning, the car of Government of National Unity (GNU) Minister of State for Prime Minister and Cabinet Affairs Adel Jumaa was shot at by unidentified gunmen shortly after he had left Palm City on the Second Ring Road in Tripoli. The car was hit...
Attorney General investigates mass graves in Kufra amid renewed UN calls
On 12 February, UNSMIL reiterated its alarm at the discovery of two mass graves in al-Wahat and Kufra, some with gunshot wounds. The victims had reportedly been held captive by traffickers for months and subjected to severe abuse and torture. Due to their irregular...
West Coast Military District widens its operations to Zuwara
On 11 February, the Libyan Army’s West Coast Military District announced the beginning of military operations in the city of Zuwara ‘as part of the decisive action to eradicate organized crime dens and confront outlaws.’ The 105th Battalion and the 62nd Brigade...
At least eight LNA troops killed in heavy fighting with Tebu forces aligned with Chadian rebel leader in al-Qatrun
On 11 February in the evening, Libyan National Army (LNA) troops, including Military Police and the 87th Rapid Reaction Battalion of the Special Forces (aligned with Saddam Haftar), arrived in al-Qatrun in the far south-west of Libya and demanded forces loyal to...