Libya has seen a string of bombing attacks throughout the country, the most recent of which occurred on 13 November, two bombs exploded outside of the Egyptian and United Arab Emirates embassies in Tripoli, No one was injured in the attacks as diplomatic staff at both embassies were evacuated several months ago, but some material damage was reportedly caused.
Early reports indicate that the recent demand for demonstrations against Libya Dawn forces occupation within Tripoli, are that no demonstrations or uprising have been reported. Activist within the Libyan capital have been calling for the 15th November as the beginning of the move against Libya Dawn.
The Libyan Army appears to be moving beyond Benghazi and targeting Islamist extremists in Derna as air strikes and clashes were reported in and around the town on 12 and 13 November 2014. A fourth man has been beheaded in Derna in a savage execution by militants which, as with the Derna murder of three young social activists on Tuesday, was again filmed and posted on social media.
It appears the calm that had temporarily emerged in western Libya has been broken, as reports indicate that fighting between Libya Dawn militants and Libyan Army troops has started once again near Kikla and the area of Arrabita, located between Kikla and Gharyan.
The Sudanese Government has claimed that its efforts to coordinate dialogue between competing factions in Libya have been successful thus far. Indeed, a spokesperson for the Sudanese Government stated that an initial conference will be held in Khartoum on 04 December 2014.
In a recent speech, General National Congress-appointed Prime Minister Omar Al-Hassi has promised that, starting in 2015, his “National Salvation Government” will ensure that young people across Libya are given 120,000 LYD interest-free, halal, loans to purchase homes so they can start a family.
Meanwhile, in what appears to be the latest outreach effort undertaken by beleaguered Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al Thinni, he arrived in Saudi Arabia on 12 November at the invitation of the Saudi Government.
Italian oil worker Marco Vallisa who was kidnapped in Zuwara four months ago has been finally been freed and flown back to Italy. Vallisa 54, was originally seized on 5 July with two other employees of Italian construction company Piacentini Costruzioni with Petar Matic from Bosnia, and 29-year-old Miljazim (also called Emilio) Gafuri from Macedonia. However, they were released almost immediately.
Nine Turkish citizens who were arrested two weeks ago when the army entered Benghazi’s Tabalino district have been released into the care of the government in Beida ahead of being flown home to Turkey. Due to the current ongoing unstable situation within Tripoli, SNE recommends that only business essential travel and movements should be undertaken within the Tripoli city limits at present and no movement should be attempted in the hours of darkness or near the area of Tripoli International Airport and surroundings areas which have been affected by the fighting.
We are supporting clients at present in Tripoli with business essential travel visits and are offering a full turnkey risk management and transportation with accommodation and life support package based from our Tripoli villa.
We advising No movement to the western area of Libya in and around Kikla and Rujban and other surrounding areas where heavy fighting is still ongoing between the Zintan and Misrata militia groups.
Fighting is also currently ongoing in the areas of Ubari, Sabha & Murzuq and we are advising our clients Not to travel to these area at present.
SNE is still advising NO travel should be made to Benghazi until the current situation shows signs of stability.
The British FCO and US State Department are advising against No travel to Libya.
SNE remains fully operational on the ground within Tripoli, where our British Country Management Team are able to support any of our existing and additional clients on request, or provide up to date accurate information and analysis on the ever changing situation to those clients who are currently out of country monitoring the situation with an aim to re-deploying when the security situation allows.
Before considering travel to Libya, an itinerary specific pre-travel risk assessment including mitigation measures are recommended. In-country personnel should be confident in their evacuation procedures and crisis management plans and in light of the current situation these should be checked and updated where necessary with the appropriate level of support in country to activate the plans when required.
