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.
Speculation about Russia moving military bases from Syria to Libya ramps up
There has been a flurry of reporting on the possible transfers of Russian resources from Syria to Libya over the last two weeks and the implications. On 17 December, the Italian Minister of Defence (MoD) Guido Crosetto claimed that Moscow is trans ferring resources...
UN condemns arbitrary arrests and human rights abuses in Libya
In her UNSC address on 16 December, acting SRSG to Libya Stephanie Koury noted that arbitrary arrests and detention persist across the country, expressing concern about deaths in custody with 4 deaths, including two women, since her last briefing. She called on Libyan...
Force majeure declared at Zawiyya refinery after nearby clashes
On 15 December, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) declared a state of force majeure and emergency of the third degree (maximum) after a number of tanks at the Zawiyya Refinery were severely damaged during the early morning hours, which led to the outbreak of fires....
SSA denies reports on military tensions with 444 Brigade in Tripoli
On 12 December in the afternoon, both the Stability Support Agency (SSA) and the 444 Brigade deployed a number of troops to the surroundings of Tripoli University. Several entrances to the university were closed. The students were evacuated from the area by the...
Russia warns citizens against coming to Libya
On 12 December, the Russian Embassy in Libya renewed its warning to Russians not to travel to Libya for personal and tourism-related purposes, as there is still a danger to life and health. According to the embassy, this is especially the case in the western part of...
Russia increases military flights to Libya amid US concerns
Since 11 December, two civilian-registered Russian Il-76TD heavy transport aircraft have been con ducting (almost) daily shuttle flights from Russia via the NATO-country Turkey to Libya’s Al-Khadim air base (east of Benghazi) and back. On 16 December, both jets flew...
Military intelligence chief & Tunisia’s MoD discuss return of ISIS fighters from Syria
On 10 December, Military Intelligence Director and Commander of the 444 Brigade Mahmoud Hamza met in Tunis with Tunisian Minister of Defense Khaled Sehili discussing military cooperation between Libya and Tunisia. The main areas covered were training, combatting...
Koury discusses military unification with western actors
Acting SRSG to Libya Stephanie Koury met with several key Tripoli-based security officials this week to discuss military unification and promoting stability. On 10 December, Koury met with the Government of National Unity's (GNU) Deputy Minister of Defense, Abdussalam...
Ripple effect of Assad’s fall felt in Libya
On 8 December, the regime of Bashir al-Assad in Syria collapsed amid the surprising offensive of various rebel groups. On the same day, the Libyan Embassy in Syria called on all Libyan citizens present and residing there to exercise caution and vigilance. The embassy...