Latest news with #LibyanNationalArmy
Libya Review
a day ago
- General
- Libya Review
Libyan Coast Guard Rescues 78 Migrants
The Libyan Coast Guard, operating under the Libyan National Army (LNA), has rescued 78 irregular migrants stranded at sea north of Tobruk after their boat broke down while attempting to reach Greece. According to local authorities, the rescued group included 4 Sudanese nationals, 17 Egyptians, 40 Bangladeshis, and 17 Pakistanis. The migrants were transported to a safe location where they received immediate assistance, including food, water, and medical checks. A statement from the Coast Guard confirmed that the rescue operation was launched following a distress call, with patrol units dispatched to intercept the drifting vessel. 'The migrants were in poor condition after hours at sea, but all are now safe and under care,' the statement said. Separately, the Anti-Illegal Migration Department in Marj announced the transfer of 15 migrants of various nationalities to the Qanfouda detention centre earlier today. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to manage irregular migration flows along Libya's eastern coast, which has seen a rise in activity due to its proximity to popular smuggling routes. Libya remains a key transit point for migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. However, deteriorating conditions, exploitation by human traffickers, and the risk of maritime disasters continue to endanger lives. The Libyan authorities have intensified patrols in coordination with regional partners to curb migrant smuggling and ensure safer maritime operations. Officials have also called for greater international support to address the root causes of irregular migration and to enhance rescue capabilities. Tags: Coast guardImmigrationlibyamigrantstobruk
Libya Review
a day ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya's Saddam Haftar Meets Pakistan's Army Chief
Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces of the Libyan National Army (LNA), conducted an official visit to Pakistan on Friday, where he met senior Pakistani officials to discuss defence and security cooperation. According to Pakistan's state news agency, Haftar held talks with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Discussions focused on regional developments, shared security challenges, and strengthening bilateral defence ties. The meeting was accompanied by a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), underscoring the commitment of both sides to enhance collaboration. Haftar also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. Both parties agreed to deepen cooperation in the defence industry, including technology transfer and the exchange of expertise to tackle modern security threats. Upon his arrival at the army headquarters, Haftar received an official guard of honour from a unit of the Pakistani Army. He also laid a wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (Martyrs' Monument), paying tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers. The visit highlights growing ties between the Libyan National Army and Pakistan, particularly in the fields of military training, logistics, and defence production. Analysts suggest the cooperation may open avenues for joint exercises and technical partnerships between the two nations. Haftar's visit to Pakistan follows a series of diplomatic and military engagements between Libya and Asian nations aimed at diversifying Libya's defence partnerships and modernising its military capabilities. Tags: libyaLibyan armyPakistanSaddam HaftarShehbaz Sharif
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libyan MP Urges Government to Dismantle Armed Militias
A member of the Libyan House of Representatives, MP Ali Al-Soul, has called for the disbanding of all armed militias and their integration into the regular army, stressing that disarmament is crucial for achieving political stability and preparing the country for elections. In a press statement, Al-Soul stated, 'Committing to the dissolution of militias could pave the way for forming a new government and eventually holding national elections.' He emphasised that a unified national army is essential to restore security and legitimacy across Libya. Al-Soul's comments follow renewed calls from the Defence and National Security Committee in the House of Representatives. The committee previously issued a statement urging all armed groups in Tripoli to disband and hand over their weapons. The committee also called for full support of the Libyan National Army (LNA) as the sole legitimate security institution capable of restoring order. The committee's statement warned that the presence of multiple armed factions, particularly in the capital, continues to undermine national sovereignty and prevent the country from progressing towards democratic governance. It stressed that disarming militias and supporting the army are necessary steps to create a secure environment for holding free and fair elections. Militia dominance in Tripoli has been a long-standing issue, with rival groups frequently clashing over control, often disrupting government functions and endangering civilians. Many Libyans have voiced frustration over the political deadlock and lack of security, hoping for a shift towards unity and the rule of law. As international efforts to mediate a political solution continue, the push for dismantling militias is gaining momentum among lawmakers seeking a fresh start for Libya. Tags: Electionslibyamilitiastripoli
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libyan Army Conducts Military Operation Against Criminal Gangs on Southern Border
On Wednesday, the Libyan National Army (LNA) announced a successful security operation carried out by units from the 676th Infantry Battalion, targeting a hideout used by transnational criminal networks operating near Libya's southern border. According to a statement from the LNA's Media Division, the operation led to the arrest of a large number of individuals involved in human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other illegal cross-border activities. Those apprehended are reportedly of various African nationalities. In addition to the arrests, Libyan forces confiscated a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and several off-road desert vehicles commonly used for smuggling operations. The raid was part of the LNA's ongoing mission to secure Libya's southern frontier, which has long been a hotspot for organized crime due to porous borders and limited state control. The army emphasized that these criminal groups not only pose a threat to Libya's internal stability but also jeopardize the broader security of the region. The hideout, used as a base of operations for various illegal enterprises, was being monitored for weeks before the raid. The army's swift action neutralized a key node in the smuggling network that has exploited the remote desert terrain for illicit trade and human trafficking routes stretching into neighboring countries. Military officials stressed that the operation is part of a broader security strategy aimed at dismantling organized crime networks and reestablishing control over neglected border zones. They reaffirmed the army's determination to confront threats to Libya's sovereignty and prevent criminal actors from using southern Libya as a corridor for destabilizing activities. Security experts and local leaders have welcomed the operation, calling for continued coordination with neighboring countries and regional partners to ensure that transnational criminal elements are denied safe haven and financial lifelines. The LNA concluded its statement by pledging to continue such operations, signaling a broader campaign to reinforce state authority and restore security across Libya's border regions. Tags: borderGangshuman traffickinglibyaLibyan national armyOperation
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Khaled Haftar Meets Head of International Committee of the Red Cross in Benghazi
Lieutenant General Khaled Haftar, Chief of Staff of Security Units in the Libyan National Army (LNA), held a meeting on Wednesday with Jan Fredy, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Libya. According to the Media Division of the LNA's General Command, the meeting took place at the Security Units Headquarters in Rajma, near Benghazi. No further details were disclosed regarding the content of the discussions or the outcomes of the meeting. The meeting underscores ongoing communication between the LNA and international humanitarian organisations operating in Libya. The ICRC has been active across the country, providing assistance to detainees, supporting healthcare services, and promoting international humanitarian law in conflict zones. While the specific agenda remains undisclosed, such meetings often cover issues related to the protection of civilians, humanitarian access to detention facilities, and the need to ensure adherence to international law during military operations. The LNA's engagement with the ICRC comes amid broader international efforts to stabilise Libya's security situation and improve the humanitarian environment in both eastern and western regions of the country. The ICRC has frequently urged all Libyan parties to respect the rights of detainees and ensure humane treatment, regardless of political or military affiliations. This meeting also highlights the ICRC's continuing role as a neutral intermediary working with all Libyan authorities. The organisation has repeatedly stressed its impartial approach, engaging with all sides to provide aid and support to those affected by years of conflict. Tags: ICRCKhaled HaftarlibyaLibyan armyLNA
