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.
Western diplomats renew focus on countering Russian presence in Libya
On 16 May, UK Ambassador to Libya Martin Longden met with Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar in Benghazi, stressing that all parties should engage in the UN political process. Longden also visited Derna where he met with Belqassim Haftar, the Director...
Haftar and Saleh preside over military parade marking 10th anniversary of Operation Dignity
On 15 May, Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar ordered the establishment of a military city for training and security science, located west of Benghazi. The facility will cover about 5,500 hectares and include a seaport, an airstrip, various training...
ICC to conclude investigations by end-2025 and issue new arrest warrants in Libya
On 14 May, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan briefed the UN Security Council (UNSC) on Libya, noting that the ICC had reinvigorated its work on Libya in the last 18 months and is making progress on the objectives of the Court’s strategic...
Three 444 Brigade members killed in clashes with smugglers south of Ghadames
On 14 May, three members of the 444 Brigade and ‘a group’ of drug smugglers were killed in a battle between the two sides lasting several hours. It occured south of Ghadames near the border with Algeria in the al-Hamada al-Hamra area. Several other smugglers (at least...
Dar al-Ifta calls for jihad against Russian ‘occupation and invasion’
On 14 May, the Dar al-Ifta issued a statement in which it said that the Russian armed presence on Libyan soil is considered ‘an occupation and an invasion’ by an aggressor state which still has the blood of the people of Tripoli on its hands due to Russian involvement...
Dabaiba faces renewed opposition and protests in Misrata over gold scandal
On 12 May, the Attorney General ordered the arrest of the Director General of the Customs Authority and the head of customs at Misrata International Airport on charges of conspiring with others to traffic nearly 26 tons of gold bullion out of the country. That would...
Libyan Navy delegation concludes US training in Accra
On 10 May, the US Embassy thanked a Libyan Navy delegation for participating in US Naval Forces Africa’s 2nd annual African Maritime Forces Summit in Accra, Ghana. The summit’s theme was ‘Cooperation at sea: safeguarding African maritime security,’ with the embassy...
Various actors pledge to investigate al-Jamail clashes as Dabaiba’s opponents blame GNU
On 8 May, Libyan Army Deputy Chief of Staff (CoS) Salaheddin al-Namroush arrived in al-Jamail and promised in a meeting with local representatives that an investigation will be initiated and the culprits behind the clashes will be arrested and brought to justice. He...
Italy bans surveillance and rescue planes over the Mediterranean
On 8 May, the German Search and rescue organisation Sea Watch launched an aerial surveillance mission from the Italian island of Lampedusa, in defiance of a ruling by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) on 6 May banning small planes used by migrant charities...