Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA) declared on Saturday that it had the majority of signatures approving the new government from the House of Representatives (HOR), one of Libya’s two rival post Gaddafi assemblies, as well as endorsement by other key political figures. This amounted to a “green light to start work”, the council said.
The UN backed presidential Council will seek to take power despite continuing opposition from hardliners in the eastern HOR and the main General National Congress (GNC) in Tripoli. “The Presidential Council also calls on the international community and international and regional organisations to stop dealing with any executive power that does not follow the Government of National Accord.” The declaration of a unity government raises the possibility of foreign troops being sent in to help it cement power.
Meanwhile, France is urging the European Union to impose sanctions against officials in Libya accused of blocking the unity government there. French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault called Monday for "sanctions against those who put obstacles in the way, against those who ultimately stop the Libyan authorities from starting their work."
The United States, the EU, Britain, France, Germany and Italy issued a joint statement on Sunday expressing “full support” for the GNA as “the only legitimate government in Libya”.
The security situation within the capital has seen a spike in activity this week which exposes criminal activity for financial gain as kidnapping and robbery has been on the increase. An armed clash occurred on the infamous airport road which concluded very quickly without any injuries of note.
Subsequent fallout from the border attack at Ben Guerdan has witnessed additional raids, killing 14 militants, weapon finds and arrests as the international community condemn the attack urging a political solution.
The Libyan National Army (LNA) surrounded and engaged around 150 IS militants in the vicinity of Mizdah, south of Tripoli. IS inserted a checkpoint on the Tripoli/Sebah road and arrested around ten people. The subsequent follow up by the LNA resulted in five LNA being killed.
United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called for a temporary ceasefire in the city of Benghazi to enable local humanitarian organisations provide desperately needed food and medical supplies to the few remaining residents in Ganfouda and Gwarsha, the last remaining militant strongholds. In response the Army said that it will supervise the evacuation but that all males over 15 years of age who leave will be investigated.
Ansar al Sharia forces indicated they gained control of the Benghazi Cement factory in Al-Hawari at the beginning of the week which has seen ensuing clashes in the past month. Attacks are still believed to be ongoing with further reports of casualties.
Derna revolution fighters are reporting too of made major advances into the area of the Al Fatayeh district attacking the city’s flour factory. This was being utilised as an IS operations room. Al Fatayeh is the last IS front in Derna.
The South has seen an increase in clashes as it’s judged IS are dispersing from Benghazi and surrounding area as reports of large convoys are on the move. Heavy casualties were reported at a checkpoint North of Sawknah which saw seven IS dead and many injured.
SNE continues to keep our permanent expat country management team on the ground in Tripoli supporting our clients international and local personnel as well as critical infrastructure. We are also currently involved in working with many of our clients on their re-entry planning, security risk management surveys and political sector analysis. To discuss these services further please contact us on the details below.
Libya Security Report Subscription Service
SNE Libya Security Summaries are only supplied to existing Libya clients and those who subscribe to our weekly reporting service. For further information on how to subscribe and our monthly costs, please contact our Dubai management team at office@snegroup.co.uk The attached Libya security update has been produced by our Tripoli based in-country management team and covers the various security risks, recent incidents, political landscape and geography in both the west and east of Libya.
HEAT & Basic Life Support Two Day Training Courses
SNE are now offering bespoke Libya oriented or generic MENA Hostile Environment Awareness & Basic Life Support Medical Training Courses in Dubai or your home country prior to deploying back into Libya, or in country training for those who require this service in Tripoli. Please contact our Dubai Head Office for more information on these courses at specialprojects@snegroup.co.uk
For further information on all our services and for actual support on the ground in Libya please feel free to contact us 24/7 on +218 911713972 or +971 508764175
