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Libya Review
6 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Will Russia Attack Europe Through Libya?
Russia is reportedly preparing to install medium and long-range missile systems at the Sebha military base in southern Libya, aiming them at Europe, according to a source cited by Agenzia Nova. The base, located in the Fezzan region under General Khalifa Haftar's control, is seen as a strategic launch site due to its proximity to European territories such as Lampedusa. The plan, said to be in an advanced stage, is allegedly supported by Russia and Belarus. The report claimed that Haftar, together with his son Saddam, is reportedly using the recent chaos in Tripoli to push towards the capital. This follows the assassination of Abdulghani al-Kikli, known as 'Ghaniwa', leader of the Stability Support Apparatus, by Brigade 444 – a militia loyal to Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba. The killing sparked one of the most violent escalations in Tripoli in years. Sources claim the Russians are backing Haftar's expansion and may deploy advanced air defence systems like the Tor-M1 to protect the Sebha installation. The system, recently displayed in Benghazi, can intercept enemy missiles, drones and aircraft. Another layer to the alleged plan includes a proposed transfer of one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, with the mediation of Turkey and possible US backing. This transfer would reportedly involve Palestinians who do not support Hamas, and those resettled in Libya could receive citizenship from Haftar in exchange for political loyalty and control of Libya's oil assets. A second relocation, involving around 800,000 Gazans, could go to Syria under a separate US-brokered arrangement with the new Syrian leadership. While the reports remain unverified, they have sparked speculation about regional re-alignments involving Russia, Turkey, the US, and Gulf countries. Cyrenaican outlets have also reported Haftar's troops joining NATO's 'Anatolian Phoenix 25' exercises in Turkey. Between 1,500 and 2,000 LNA fighters are allegedly training there and acquiring Turkish drones. Tags: europekhalifa haftarlibyaMissilesRussiaSebha
Libya Review
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Chief Calls for Urgent Action to Prevent Further Violence in Tripoli
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent measures to uphold the fragile ceasefire in Tripoli, warning that recent armed clashes in the Libyan capital could derail efforts toward peace and stability. In a statement issued Thursday, Guterres expressed deep concern over the rapid escalation of violence, which saw the involvement of heavily armed groups and the use of artillery in densely populated civilian neighborhoods. Describing the situation as 'extremely worrying,' he conveyed his sorrow at reports of at least eight civilian deaths in the recent fighting. The UN Chief stressed the need for all Libyan parties to respect their obligations to protect civilians and urged them to engage in a serious and good-faith dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict. He reaffirmed the UN's readiness to facilitate such a dialogue and support any steps that lead toward a durable political solution and lasting peace. The ceasefire, declared Wednesday by Libya's Ministry of Defense and endorsed by the Presidential Council, follows days of violent confrontations triggered by the killing of Abdelghani Al-Kikli, known as 'Ghneiwa,' head of the now-disbanded Stability Support Apparatus. His death in a complex security operation inside the Takbali military camp sparked intense clashes between his forces and Brigade 444. Fighting quickly spread and intensified, with further armed confrontations erupting between Brigade 444 and the Special Deterrence Force after Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba issued a decree dissolving the latter. The escalation resulted in several casualties and property damage before a tentative ceasefire took effect. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that neutral military units had been deployed to enforce the truce and secure key areas of the capital. Guterres underscored the urgency of building on this truce through concrete political steps, warning that any return to violence could deepen Libya's institutional divisions and prolong civilian suffering. Tags: António GuterresceasefirelibyatripoliunViolence
