North Western Libya:
The Capital and surrounding area has witnessed more disturbing events this week in particular the Missile attacks at Tripoli International Airport, which first struck the runway and then open ground within the airport boundary. Last Friday morning 2 missiles believed to be RPG rounds exploded on impact at the end of the runway, this prompted the temporary closure of the airport for most of the day and several International carriers have cancelled flights over several days. Also on Friday Mohamed bin Sheikh, a Tunisian Diplomat, was kidnapped whilst driving in Ain Zara in the South of the City. Although there have been no claims by the abductors, it is thought that it is in relation to Tunisia’s war against Ansar Al-Sharia. Earlier in the week an Army office named as Cezar Sulaiman Al-Najaa, was murdered by gunmen in Al Njila, it is thought he was deliberately targeted due to his role in the government's security campaign in Warshefana, west/southwest of Tripoli in January.
Eastern Libya:
In Hawari two soldiers were attacked after being tasked to patrol the western entrance to Benghazi, one was killed the other was rushed to hospital with bullet wounds to his chest and head. The Hawari area is renowned for Ansar Al Sharia, as is the Checkpoint they were asked to survey. In the far East, an Italian national has been kidnapped whilst working in Libya on an infrastructure project in Tobruq. He is reportedly a diabetic sufferer and his medication was left in the vehicle he was abducted from. Armed clashes using heavy weaponry in Ajdabiya, started last Saturday between Ibrahim Jahdran forces and a Libya Shield unit led by Hassan al Jaber, two civilians are reported to have been killed. The Pro-Government forces were sent to secure the area which is the home town of Jahdran.
Southern Libya:
The El Feel oilfield in the deep South-West has been temporarily closed, due to the pipeline that supplies Mellitah port being shut off. This has reduced National Oil production to around 150,000 barrels a day. Libya’s’ oil output has gradually been decreasing over the last 18 months overall; protests and strikes, by workers in addition to Minority groups have decimated production. The airport at Sebha is still closed due to the continuing instability of the Region, three months after the trouble first started there, there are rival tribes competing with each other for territoriality. In addition the Tebu forces have yet to hand over the checkpoint on the road leading from Sebha to Murzuk.
| SNE assesses that travel to Libya is still possible but advises that stringent security and travel management plans are in place. An itinerary specific pre-travel risk assessment including mitigation measures are recommended. Travel to desert and border areas, between cities and major urban centres including Benghazi and many other hot spots in the eastern region of the country will require additional security support. In-country personnel should be confident in their evacuation procedures and crisis management plans. Crime remains one of the biggest risks to foreign personnel operating on the ground and the risk is assessed to be at its highest in outlying areas of the cities, particularly after last light when travel is not recommended. SNE can assist clients with pre entry risk assessments, on the ground physical support, safe discreet transportation, accommodation/business centre and risk management services throughout the region with villas and offices in both Tripoli & Benghazi. |
