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.
Clashes in Zawiyya after CID commander assassination attempt
On 25 March, Major General Hatem al-Ghaib, commander of the Western Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department, survived an assassination attempt while he was driving in his car in the Abu Sura area, about 9 km southeast of the center of Zawiyya. His car came...
Migrant smugglers detained in Zilla
On 24 March, the Attorney General’s Office reported that four defendants belonging to a network engaged in smuggling migrants and human trafficking in the city of Zilla were detained, pending further investigation. The Attorney General’s Office said further...
Politically-motivated arrests and kidnappings in Tripoli draw condemnation
On 23 March, Osama al-Rajhi, deputy mayor of the Tripoli Central municipality, was detained, probably by members of the Internal Security Agency (ISA). Days before, al-Rajhi announced his candidacy for the next municipal elections. On 27 March, human rights activist...
UN condemns arbitrary arrests in Tripoli
On 22 March, UNSMIL highlighted systematic violations by law enforcement and security forces targeting individuals for political affiliations, silencing opposition, and undermining the judiciary. It noted that arbitrary detentions have extended to legal professionals,...
NSC proposes strategic plan to address irregular migration
On 22 March, the Libyan National Security Council presented a strategic plan to address the ‘growing crisis of irregular migration’. The council stressed that ‘ad hoc solutions are inadequate, calling for a comprehensive strategy involving legislative, diplomatic,...
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...
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,...
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...