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The General Administration of Coastal Security, affiliated with eastern-based forces, said Wednesday it intercepted 71 irregular migrants east of Sirte before they could be smuggled by sea. In a statement, the administration said patrols found the migrants hidden inside a water tank on a large truck in the al-Khamsin area, about 46 kilometers (29 miles) east of Sirte, before they boarded a smuggling boat. According to the statement, 55 of the migrants were Pakistani nationals and the remainder were Egyptian. The suspected smugglers fled the scene, leaving behind their vehicle and a trailer used to transport the boat, it added. Authorities said the boat was set on fire due to damage that made it unfit for reuse, and the migrants were handed over to the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency in Sirte.

IOM Libya reported yesterday that thanks to support by the UK government, it has helped strengthen counter-trafficking operations at Benghazi’s Benina Airport by equipping the airport’s Passport Authority with new IT systems, document-verification tools, and secure communication devices. Empowering frontline officers to spot counterfeit documents and identify potential victims at first contact, IOM Libya explained, is vital to triggering early investigations and disrupting trafficking networks before exploitation occurs.

Akakus Oil Operations announced last Tuesday (24 February) it had completed the successful horizontal drilling of well M23 HThe company said this comes as part of the implementation of its approved drilling plans and supporting the objectives of increasing production and enhancing the company’s operational performance. The well, Akakus added, was drilled using the ADWOC 19 drilling rig, in accordance with the highest approved technical and operational standards. Akakus said this achievement was accomplished within a record timeframe and with a high level of technical precision, without any operational obstacles, reflecting efficient planning, sound operational management, and disciplined execution at the work site.

Former government official Neville Gafa formed part of an unlawful arrangement with a Libyan intermediary to collect medical visa payments from Libyan nationals seeking treatment in Malta. The defendants denied any contractual relationship with the Libyan intermediary and insisted they had never received such funds. The Foundation for Medical Services argued it had no legal connection with the alleged transactions. The court ruled that the obligation relied upon by the Libyan intermediary was based on an unlawful cause. Although the court accepted that Gafa had received payments, it held that the illegality of the underlying transaction barred any recovery.

Tripoli – The Competition and Monopoly Prevention Council called on the Administrative Control Authority. It stressed prioritizing national interest. In a statement today, the council affirmed its full respect for both institutions’ mandates. It also respected their role in preserving state institutions. The Competition and Monopoly Prevention Council stressed that all differences in opinion should be managed legally.

Libya’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Sadiq al-Ghariani has condemned the abduction of citizen Abrik Mazeg, describing the incident as a “dangerous precedent.”In remarks during his weekly program “Islam and Life,” broadcast on Wednesday, al-Ghariani said Mazeg “should be honored, not abducted and handed over to his enemies,” characterizing him as a supporter of the truth. The mufti urged the Presidential Council (PC) to clarify its position on the incident, adding that the body responsible for carrying out the abduction was the intelligence service affiliated with the council. He held the intelligence service responsible for any consequences resulting from the incident and called for accountability for all those involved.

The UN refugee agency announced Thursday the emergency evacuation of 164 refugees and asylum seekers from Libya to Rwanda overnight, continuing a humanitarian operation that has relocated nearly 3,000 vulnerable individuals since 2019. The transfer brings the total number evacuated under the program to 2,924, of whom 2,585 have been resettled in third countries, the UNHCR reported. AdvertisementEmergency Transit MechanismThe evacuations operate under a 2019 agreement between the UNHCR, the African Union, and Rwanda, establishing an Emergency Transit Mechanism in Gashora Sector, Bugesera District. The facility provides shelter, protection, and life-saving support while UNHCR assesses refugees for resettlement to third countries. The program offers a safe passage option for the most vulnerable, providing immediate protection and a pathway toward durable solutions through resettlement to participating countries.

Al Ahli Benghazi booked their spot in the Libyan Basketball Cup after a convincing aggregate win over Al Hilal Benghazi. They set the tone in the first leg with a 77-47 victory, dominating on both ends of the court and showing superior possession and shooting accuracy. Al Ahli confirmed their class in the return leg, winning 77-55 to seal a deserved passage to the next round.

The Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Agency says it has arrested two Nigerien nationals in the city of Misrata on suspicion of drug trafficking. In a statement on Thursday, the agency’s Misrata branch said the arrests were carried out in coordination with the Counter-Terrorism Force. Officers reportedly seized 58 tablets suspected to be the psychotropic drug tramadol, 93 pieces of cannabis, and seven papers said to be used for drug consumption. The agency said the two suspects have been referred to the Anti-Narcotics Prosecution Office for further legal proceedings.

Tripoli Chamber of Commerce called yesterday on all its members to attend an urgent meeting to be held today at its Tripoli headquarters to discuss Libya’s spiralling economic crisis. Specifically, Tripoli Chamber said the meeting is to discuss ‘‘the recent decisions of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL), including the imposition of a tax on imported goods and its impact on rising prices and the resulting catastrophic devaluation of the Libyan dinar’’. The leadership of parliament (the House of Representatives – HoR), without a discussion or vote by HoR members, has also colluded with the CBL Governor to attempt to force through new import taxes recently. This move was rejected by 107 HoR members, the High State Council and the Aldabaiba-led Tripoli based Libyan government. The HSC has proposed an economic reform package.

Benghazi – Libyan Interior Minister, Major General Issam Abu Zriba, issued direct instructions. He ordered an additional financial grant. This is for members of the Greater Benghazi Security Directorate. The step aims to ease transportation costs. This benefits Directorate members.

Can Algeria reclaim its influence in the Sahel? A crowded and contested arenaToday, however, the diplomatic and security landscape of the Sahel has shifted dramatically. It has repeatedly offered mediation between Sahel governments and armed factions, seeking negotiated settlements over military escalation. Limits of influenceYet the question persists: does Algeria possess the necessary tools to make these efforts succeed in today’s environment? However, reclaiming influence in a transformed Sahel will require more than diplomatic outreach.

Experts from the European Union Border Assistance Mission in Libya have wrapped up a training program aimed at qualifying female police officers as certified trainers. The course was held at the Women’s Police Training Center in Tripoli. In a statement issued Tuesday, the mission said officers of various ranks participated in the Train-the-Trainer program, part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and empower female police training cadres. The mission explained that the program seeks to equip participants with the confidence and professional skills needed to independently design and deliver high-quality training courses tailored to the specific challenges within their departments.

The Ministry of Health of the Government of National Unity has launched a new support package for Al-Badri Polyclinic as part of its 100-day plan to reform and restructure the healthcare sector. According to the ministry, the initiative includes reinforcing medical staff and supplying essential resources to help reduce pressure on public hospitals, ease overcrowding, and improve the organization and delivery of medical services. Al-Badri Polyclinic is one of seven clinics included in the first phase of the plan, alongside 30 health centers across Tripoli municipalities. The ministry noted that the program will later expand to cover cities and towns throughout Libya.