NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES
- On Thursday, February 06, Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI reported that it tracked 52 suspicious flights in January 2025 out of a total of 1,604 flights. In a statement, the mission added that it also monitored 25 airports and landing strips and 16 ports and oil terminals as part of its ongoing operations within the European Union’s integrated approach to Libya. Additionally, the operation has investigated 381 merchant vessels through radio inquiries, conducted 10 ship visits with the consent of their masters. IRINI intensified its surveillance efforts as part of the European Union’s broader strategy to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya. Launched in March 2020, Irini operates in the central Mediterranean under the command of Admiral Valentino Rinaldi. The mission has confiscated shipments violating the embargo on three occasions, redirecting the vessels to EU ports, according to the Italian news agency Nova.
- The General Command of the Libyan National Army (LNA) has announced the seizure of narcotics and the prevention of fuel smuggling attempts in the municipalities of Jufra, Zalla, Sukna, Hun, and Waddan. Last week, the LNA launched an operation aimed at “combating smuggling” following an order from its Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. A special committee was formed to tackle smuggling activities in southern Libya. According to a statement published on the official page of the LNA’s Land Forces Command, large quantities of drugs and hallucinogenic pills were confiscated on Monday. Additionally, authorities uncovered large-scale fuel smuggling attempts, with fuel stockpiled in farms ready for illegal transport to neighbouring countries. The LNA described these operations as part of broader efforts to “combat smuggling in southern Libya,” considering them a significant step toward strengthening security and stability in the country.
NATIONAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES
- The Libyan government, appointed by the House of Representatives, has strongly condemned the reported abduction of Minister of State for Legislative Affairs, Mohammed Suleiman Bouzqeia, by an armed group linked to the Joint Force in the city of Misrata. According to the government’s statement, the incident occurred while the minister was visiting his family. In its official statement, the government denounced the act as a serious violation of individual freedom and security within Libya. Despite ongoing political divisions and tensions, the government reaffirmed its commitment to separating political rivalries from personal freedoms, emphasizing that all Libyans should have the right to move freely across the country. The statement further condemned the extrajudicial nature of the abduction, warning that such actions undermine social stability and the safety of Libyan citizens, regardless of their political affiliations or official roles.
- The Director General of the Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund, Belgasim Haftar, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Libyan-British Business Council, chaired by Ambassador Peter Millett. The signing took place during Haftar’s official visit to London, which began on Tuesday, February 04, accompanied by senior fund officials. According to a statement from the fund, Haftar and his delegation held discussions with the British Business Council and representatives from leading UK companies. These companies specialise in infrastructure, engineering consultancy, project management, desalination, medical services, hospital construction, bridges, airports, and ports. Additionally, representatives from British universities, training centres, and research institutions participated in the meetings. Haftar also held several individual and roundtable meetings as part of the second edition of the Libyan-British Forum. These discussions focused on strategic projects, including the Sirte Free Zone and Port, aligning with Libya’s reconstruction plans for the year.
- The Libyan Parliament-designate government, led by Prime Minister Osama Hammad, called on Thursday for the international community to oppose attempts to displace Palestinians from Gaza. It also stressed the need for a sustained ceasefire and the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory. The statement comes amid widespread condemnation from Palestinian leaders, Arab nations, and several countries worldwide over a reported U.S. proposal by former President Donald Trump advocating for American control over Gaza and the displacement of its residents to Egypt and Jordan. While Trump claimed that “everyone loves” his proposal, it has sparked strong opposition from Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and international powers, including Brazil, France, the UK, Germany, and Turkey.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- On Wednesday, February 05, Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) Ground Forces, met with Lieutenant General John Brennan, deputy commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), at the LNA’s General Command headquarters in Benghazi. The discussion focused on expanding military cooperation between Libya and the United States and supporting ongoing efforts to unify the country’s divided military institutions. In a tweet, the US Embassy in Libya praised the meeting, thanking Haftar for an “excellent tour” of LNA facilities. The meetings reflect growing US engagement with Libyan military leaders, as Washington seeks to support security sector reform and counterterrorism efforts in the region.
- Libya is set to host a new industrial city as part of a major Egyptian investment initiative aimed at strengthening economic ties and trade relations between the two nations. The project, led by 34 Egyptian companies, is expected to revitalize Libya’s industrial sector, create jobs, and attract further foreign investment. The initiative was announced by Alaa Nasr El-Din, a member of the Chamber of Wood and Furniture Industry and the Arab Cooperation Committee at the Federation of Egyptian Industries. It follows a recent visit by Egyptian business leaders to Libya, during which over 34 companies specializing in manufacturing, construction, consulting, and services explored opportunities for expansion.
