Egypt Forms Emergency Team to Monitor Libya Crisis
Egypt's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday the formation of an emergency operations room to monitor the fast-moving developments in Libya, as armed clashes continue to rock the capital Tripoli.
In a statement, the ministry confirmed that the operations room will remain in constant session to follow the evolving situation. It will coordinate directly with the Egyptian embassy in Tripoli around the clock and handle queries and requests from Egyptian nationals in Libya through two dedicated hotlines: 0020115566606 and 00218914897985.
The ministry also stated that it is working in full coordination with relevant state institutions to manage the crisis effectively. It urged all Egyptian citizens residing in Libya to exercise extreme caution, stay indoors, and avoid areas witnessing armed conflict until the situation stabilises.
Earlier on Wednesday, Egypt called on all Libyan factions to prioritise national interest, de-escalate hostilities, and embrace dialogue to prevent further deterioration. Cairo warned that continued violence could lead to a full-scale escalation that would undermine Libya's sovereignty and threaten regional stability.
The capital Tripoli has been engulfed in fierce fighting involving light, medium, and heavy weapons since Tuesday evening. The clashes pit the 444th Combat Brigade, affiliated with the Government of National Unity and led by Mahmoud Hamza, against the Deterrence Apparatus for Combating Organised Crime, commanded by Abdulraouf Kara and based at Mitiga Airbase.
The Egyptian government's response underscores growing regional concern over the security vacuum in Libya. It also highlights the vulnerability of Egyptian citizens amid the latest outbreak of violence.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
3 hours ago
- Libya Review
UN Consultations in Benghazi Reveal Support for New Interim Authority
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) confirmed the conclusion of a three-day visit by Deputy Special Representative Stephanie Khoury to the city of Benghazi, where she held a series of consultations with eastern Libyan stakeholders. The visit was part of broader efforts by the UN to gather feedback on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee and explore possible solutions to Libya's ongoing political stalemate. Khoury met with representatives from political parties, youth groups, civil society, women's associations, tribal elders, and persons with disabilities. Attendees came from Benghazi and other eastern cities, including Ajdabiya, Al-Marj, Shahat, and Al-Bayda. These discussions focused on reviewing proposed political options, including scenarios for holding national elections and reforming the current governance framework. Among the options presented were: simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections with amendments to current electoral laws; a sequence of parliamentary elections followed by the drafting of a permanent constitution; or the creation of a temporary political dialogue committee to oversee a transitional phase and appoint a unified interim government. Participants expressed significant frustration with the current political deadlock, worsening security conditions, economic challenges, and the continued existence of two rival governments. Many argued that the status quo only benefits entrenched elites and delays solutions. A majority voiced support for the fourth proposal, a transitional political committee to oversee the next phase, citing deep mistrust in existing institutions. There was also a call for more inclusive governance, with emphasis on involving youth, women, and marginalized communities, including people with disabilities. Participants urged the formation of a new executive authority that bypasses current power figures and genuinely reflects Libya's diversity. On security, several attendees condemned the recent armed clashes in Tripoli, underscoring their destabilizing effect nationwide. They called for an end to militia control, the creation of professional national security forces, and greater solidarity among Libyans across regions. Khoury acknowledged the feedback and reaffirmed the UN's support for a Libyan-led path toward elections, unity, and state-building. She stressed the importance of exiting the current transitional period, strengthening institutions, and creating the conditions for free and fair national elections. Tags: benghaziElectionslibyaUN MissionUnified Government
Libya Review
8 hours ago
- Libya Review
Malta Sees 90% Fall in Sea Rescues After Libya 'Secret' Deal
Rescues of migrant boats by Malta's Armed Forces have dropped by 90% since the launch of a secretive migration coordination centre with Libya in 2020, while interceptions by the Libyan Coast Guard surged by 230%, according to new data published by Times of Malta newspaper. In 2020, migrants in distress within Malta's search and rescue (SAR) zone were three times more likely to be rescued by Maltese authorities than intercepted by Libyan vessels. That year, there were 21 rescues by the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), compared to seven interceptions by the Libyan Coast Guard. However, by 2024, this trend had reversed dramatically. AFM rescues fell to just two, while the Libyan Coast Guard carried out 23 interceptions within the same SAR zone. The data was compiled by the Malta Migration Archive, a new digital research tool developed using NGO sources such as Alarm Phone and Sea-Watch International. The figures suggest that a migrant boat in distress in Malta's SAR zone last year was nearly ten times more likely to be intercepted by Libyan forces than rescued by Malta. This area, which covers a vast stretch of the central Mediterranean, remains Malta's responsibility under international maritime law. The archive shows a consistent drop in Maltese rescues since 2020, with the sharpest decline between 2020 and 2021. UNHCR data supports the findings, with sea arrivals to Malta falling from 2,300 in 2020 to just 238 in 2024. Despite the role of the Libyan Coast Guard being formalised by Tripoli, human rights groups and European courts have criticised its conduct. In June 2024, an Italian court ruled that its actions do not meet the legal definition of rescue due to violence used during interceptions. Malta, meanwhile, continues to deny allegations of ignoring distress calls in its SAR zone. Tags: ImmigrationlibyaMaltaMediterraneanmigrants
Libya Review
8 hours ago
- Libya Review
Libyan MP Urges UN to Act Against Militias
Libyan Member of Parliament Ali Al-Tekbali has voiced strong criticism over the continued dominance of armed militias in the country, describing the national situation as one of 'confusion and chaos.' In recent media remarks, Al-Tekbali expressed frustration over the lack of genuine national initiatives to resolve the political crisis. He blamed self-interest and political fragmentation, stating, 'Everyone comes with their personal agenda, not the country's interests. I've spoken with most parties and I know how they think.' According to Al-Tekbali, Libya's fate is no longer in local hands but is tied to international efforts, led by the United Nations and influential global actors. He suggested that a temporary government and president would likely be imposed on Libya until stability is achieved. The MP also warned that militias continue to dominate the ground, engaging in daily clashes without effective deterrence. 'These militias are internationally wanted, yet the UN merely offers advice without real action,' he said. Al-Tekbali's comments come amid ongoing insecurity and militia rivalries in several Libyan cities. Despite repeated international efforts, including UN-led dialogue, no sustainable solution has been reached. He called on the international community to move beyond statements and take firm action. 'The United Nations is not just a building, but the will of nations. It's time to act to restore order,' he said. Tags: Ali Al-TekbaliChaoslibyaLibyan Crisismilitias
