Security forces seized crack cocaine trafficked from Europe
The 444 Brigade say they have foiled an attempt to distribute large quantities of crack cocaine in the capital, Tripoli, after dismantling an organised criminal network. The brigade said the operation, described as a “qualitative” security raid, was carried out in coordination with Tripoli’s Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Agency, as part of efforts to curb drug trafficking and dismantle cross-border smuggling networks. Three Libyan suspects were arrested during the raid, with officers seizing around 500 bags of crack cocaine. The suspects and the seized narcotics have been referred to the Anti-Narcotics Prosecution in Tripoli for further legal proceedings. The 444 Brigade said it remains committed to combating activities that threaten public health and community security, warning that it will take firm action against those seeking to undermine stability in the country.
Source:Libya Observer
January 26, 2026 12:34 UTC
US oil companies boost Libya investment despite troubled past
US oil companies are planning to boost investments in Libya and expand operations despite troubled relations between the nations in the past as the North African country focuses on reviving its energy sector. Chevron, a major US oil producer, also signed an initial agreement to return to Libya after a 15-year hiatus. Libya is also in the process of awarding new exploration licences to oil and gas companies next month. ReutersThe participation of US companies in the development of Libya's energy sector comes despite frosty relationship between the two countries in the past. It returned in 2005 and stayed back even as many companies wound up their operations during the civil war, Glenn Hamrell, executive vice president at Waha Oil Company, that operates Waha oilfield, said.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 12:17 UTC
2026 to mark milestone year for Türkiye-Libya energy ties, energy minister says
(AA Photo)Türkiye and Libya expect 2026 to mark a turning point in their energy partnership, with new projects, tenders and joint ventures set to deliver concrete results, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said. 2026 seen as milestone year for energy cooperationBayraktar said energy will be placed at the center of efforts to expand bilateral trade, which reached about $4.4 billion in 2025 and is expected to exceed $5 billion in 2026. “Türkiye-Libya cooperation will make 2026 an energy year,” he said, adding that talks have been underway for years and are now expected to yield tangible outcomes. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar speaks during the IICEC Conference at Sabanci Center in Istanbul, Türkiye, on December 26, 2025. Overseas energy strategy to accelerateBayraktar also said Türkiye is expanding its overseas energy activities as part of a new growth strategy.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 11:22 UTC
Libya Inks Long-Term Oil Deal with TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips
Libya signed a 25-year oil development agreement on Saturday with France's TotalEnergies and U.S.-based ConocoPhillips, involving more than $20 billion in foreign-financed investment, Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah said. Waha, a subsidiary of Libya's state-run National Oil Corporation, operates five main oil and gas fields as well as several producing subfields, connected by pipeline networks that transport crude to the Sidra oil terminal and gas to processing facilities. The government also signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S. oil major Chevron and a cooperation agreement with Egypt's oil ministry during the Libya Energy and Economy Summit being held in Tripoli. Libya is one of Africa's biggest oil producers and a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Disputes between armed rival factions over oil revenues have often led to oilfield shutdowns.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 09:41 UTC
TotalEnergies Secures Extension of Libya’s Waha Oil Concessions to 2050
TotalEnergies has signed an agreement extending the Waha oil concessions in Libya through December 31, 2050, securing a long-term foothold in one of the country’s most important producing areas and setting the stage for a new investment cycle. The Waha concessions currently produce around 370,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The Waha concessions are held by Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) with a 59.16% stake, alongside TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips, which each hold 20.42%. Operations are carried out by Waha Oil Company, which is fully owned by NOC, reflecting Libya’s model of state-led resource management with international partners providing capital and technical expertise. The Waha agreement reflects this balancing act, allowing the company to sustain cash-generating upstream output while managing costs and emissions.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 08:44 UTC
At LEES 2026 Massad Boulos says ‘‘I’m here today because Donald Trump sees the high value in the Libyan-American partnership’’
Today at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit in Tripoli, U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos joined Libyan partners to celebrate significant milestones in U.S.-Libya commercial relationship. The National Oil Corporation’s announcement regarding the expansion of the Waha Consortium partnership with ConocoPhillips is a prime example of the deepening collaboration between the United States and Libya. We also welcomed the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NOC and Chevron, which paves the way for Chevron’s return to Libya. U.S. expertise and technology remain vital to helping Libya realize its energy potential and achieve lasting economic stability’’. PM Aldabaiba inaugurates LEES 2026: Agreements and MoUs signed with Total Energies, ConocoPhillips, Chevron and Egyptian governmentNOC Chairman confirms Libya’s ability to realise tangible production achievements in the sector despite challenges
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 00:12 UTC
The Bangladeshi Chargé d’Affaires to Libya inspects the conditions of his country’s illegal migrants at a shelter center east of Tripoli
Tripoli – The Chargé d’Affaires at the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, Kazi Asif Ahmed, visited an irregular migrant detention center in eastern Tripoli today. He led a delegation to check on the living conditions of Bangladeshi migrants held at the facility. The Chargé d’Affaires was accompanied by the center’s head, Brigadier General Noureddine al-Qaritaly. During the visit, Ahmed interviewed the migrants directly. The Bangladeshi delegation praised the efforts of the center’s management.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 00:06 UTC
Libya 2026: On the Electoral Illusion and the Cost of Mutual “Veto”
In this context, the chaos surrounding the management of the electoral process becomes most apparent. This clash has not only killed the democratic process but also stripped trust from any future ballot box. How can a citizen trust elections when even the competitors themselves cannot agree on the body that administers them and ensures their integrity? The tragically ironic part Is that all these "factions" publicly wear the mask of commitment to elections while practicing mutual "veto" behind the scenes. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Libya Observer
Source:Libya Observer
January 25, 2026 21:52 UTC
Oil Minister says has plan to launch second bidding round to develop Libya’s oil sector
Libyan Oil Minister Khalifa Abdulsadiq revealed plans to launch a second round of oil tenders and licensing, following strong international interest in the current bidding round, which includes 22 onshore and offshore blocks. Speaking on Saturday on the sidelines of the Libya Energy and Economic Summit 2026 in Tripoli, Abdulsadiq said a second oil bidding round is almost 90 percent certain, describing it as a major step in the country’s efforts to develop and revive the oil sector. During a roundtable organized by the British–Libyan Business Council, the oil minister added: “If we look at what has been achieved in the latest bidding round, many were not confident in our ability to meet our commitments, but we did. We still have to wait for the final result to be issued next month, but it is now almost a foregone conclusion.”"The latest bidding round is a testament to the level of interest international oil companies have in Libya’s energy sector. That dependence makes it essential to preserve the sector through a consistent and organized process.” He said.
Source:Libya Observer
January 25, 2026 21:10 UTC
Menfi meets Qatari ambassador in Tripoli
The Presidential Council head, Mohamed Menfi, has held talks with Qatar’s ambassador to Libya, Khalid Al-Dosari, in Tripoli. According to a statement from the Presidential Council, the ambassador conveyed greetings from Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The meeting focused on bilateral relations between Libya and Qatar, with both sides stressing the strength of ties and the importance of expanding cooperation and coordination to serve shared interests and support stability and development in the region.
Source:Libya Observer
January 25, 2026 14:05 UTC
Libya announces $20B energy deal with TotalEnergies, ConocoPhillips
Libya said Saturday it signed an oil agreement worth more than $20 billion with TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips, seeking to ramp up production by 850,000 barrels a day for the next 25 years. The announcement came as the Libya Energy and Economic Summit opened in Tripoli, attended by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East adviser Massad Boulos, along with other officials, including from Turkey and Egypt. Libya currently produces around 1.5 million barrels a day, sitting on Africa’s largest oil reserves at an estimated 48.4 billion barrels. Boulos described the energy summit as “an opportunity to become a premier economic partner with the United States”. The authorities have sought to draw major global energy companies back to the country after years of political instability and fluctuations in production levelsAgence France-Presse
Source:Libya Today
January 25, 2026 12:34 UTC
International break: Libya and Gabon on Morocco’s agenda in October
Morocco Confirms Opponents for October International Break: Libya and GabonMorocco has already defined its program for the upcoming October international break, with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) confirming two key fixtures. The Atlas Lions are set to face Libya on October 11, followed by a match against Gabon on October 15. The Moroccan coach, who took charge of the Atlas Lions earlier this year, faced a mixed start during September’s international matches. The first of these matches, against Libya on October 11, is expected to test Morocco’s defensive stability and attacking efficiency. In summary, Morocco’s October international break promises to be a pivotal period for the Atlas Lions.
Source:Libya Today
January 25, 2026 10:22 UTC
Libya breaks 12-year oil production record in 2025
Dbeibah also said Libya launched its first oil and natural gas exploration licensing round in 17 years in 2025, attracting strong interest from international energy companies. Pointing to new agreements expected at the summit, Dbeibah said deals would be signed to develop two offshore natural gas fields. “The agreements between Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and France’s TotalEnergies, and the US-based ConocoPhillips will be amended. Proven natural gas reserves are estimated at around 1.5 trillion cubic meters. In recent years, stabilizing oil and gas production, upgrading energy infrastructure and integrating renewable sources into the national energy mix have remained key national priorities.
Source:Libya Today
January 25, 2026 10:01 UTC
Libya announces $20 bn energy deal with TotalEnergies, ConocoPhillips
Libya said Saturday it signed an oil agreement worth more than $20 billion with TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips, seeking to ramp up production by 850,000 barrels a day for the next 25 years.Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said the agreement with the French and American energy firms would bring in revenues of more than $370 billion over the 25-year life of the deal, adding it was fully financed outside the state budget.The announcement came as the Libya Energy and Economic Summit opened in Tripoli, attended by US President Donald Trump's Middle East adviser Massad Boulos, along with other officials, including from Turkey and Egypt.Dbeibah said Libya was also set to sign an agreement with US energy giant Chevron covering exploration and production development, as well as a separate deal with Egypt to support services in the sector.Libya currently produces around 1.5 million barrels a day, sitting on Africa's largest oil reserves at an estimated 48.4 billion barrels.But the oil industry has faced major challenges, including security issues, with the country still divided after a NATO-backed revolt toppled and killed longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.Libya is split between a UN-recognised government in Tripoli, led by Dbeibah, and commander Khalifa Haftar's administration in the east.Boulos described the energy summit as "an opportunity to become a premier economic partner with the United States".The event, he added, is "a potential launchpad for Libya's return as a global energy superpower".Masoud Suleman, head of the National Oil Corporation, said a new licensing round for oil and gas exploration would be announced next month.Libya's last call for tenders for hydrocarbon exploration, in 2007-2008, focused on natural gas exploration.The authorities have sought to draw major global energy companies back to the country after years of political instability and fluctuations in production levels.
Source:Libya Today
January 25, 2026 03:46 UTC
Egyptian and Saudi pressure on Haftar over Sudan
Middle East Eye has revealed that Egypt and Saudi Arabia are pressuring Khalifa Haftar to halt Emirati supplies to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, specifically in the border region between Egypt, Libya, and Sudan. Egyptian sources told the website that Haftar's son Saddam received a stern reprimand during his recent visit to Cairo and was asked to immediately end support for the RSF. They warned that continuing this support could lead to a dangerous shift in Cairo's relationship with Haftar. The website stated that the Egyptian side briefed Saddam on Emirati plans aimed at fragmenting Haftar's areas of control within Libya.
Source:Libya Observer
January 24, 2026 20:38 UTC