Libya: Turkey is Here to Stay, Abandons Exit Strategy
Turkey’s parliament has approved a 24-month extension of its military deployment in Libya, running through early 2028. Turkey’s military footprint serves as a force multiplier for its broader Eastern Mediterranean strategy, where unresolved maritime delimitation disputes with Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt intersect with competing energy development claims. By maintaining its western Libya position, Turkey ensures it retains a seat at any future negotiating table concerning Libya’s political architecture or resource allocation frameworks. The international community’s effective acquiescence to indefinite foreign deployments signals a shared assessment that Libya’s political settlement remains beyond near-term reach. The normalization of foreign military deployments as “stabilization contributions” creates precedents that may prove difficult to reverse, even when domestic conditions theoretically support transition to national security arrangements.
Source:Libya Today
January 05, 2026 13:17 UTC
Interior Ministry: Combating extremism and terrorism is a national priority
The Ministry of Interior of the Government of National Unity has reaffirmed that combating extremism and terrorism is a national priority and a shared responsibility requiring coordinated security, intellectual, and societal efforts. In a statement issued on Sunday to mark the Arab Week for Awareness of the Dangers of Extremism and Terrorism, observed annually from January 4 to 10, the ministry emphasized the importance of unified action to confront extremist ideologies. The ministry renewed its commitment to implementing policies and strategies aimed at enhancing security and stability, countering all forms of extremism through preventive and awareness-based approaches, promoting moderation and tolerance, and strengthening a culture of dialogue while rejecting violence and hatred. It also stressed that community awareness is the first line of defense against extremism and terrorism, noting that security is a collective responsibility founded on cooperation and integration among all relevant institutions and stakeholders.
Source:Libya Observer
January 05, 2026 11:34 UTC
Border Guard in Al-Qaryat arrests 41 illegal migrants of African nationalities
The Border Guard Service in the Al-Qaryat security sector has arrested 41 illegal migrants of various African nationalities during a security operation. The Border Guard patrols conducted a wide-scale campaign in the areas of Al-Qaryat and Abu Al-Gharb as part of efforts to curb illegal migration. According to the Border Guard Service, the migrants were found inside unlawful locations and hideouts, which were fully evacuated. Legal measures were taken against those detained, and they were transferred to the sector’s headquarters pending handover to the relevant authorities.
Source:Libya Observer
January 05, 2026 11:02 UTC
Rubio says US won’t govern Venezuela
Leaders in Venezuela have so far pushed back, at least publicly, calling on the Trump administration to release Maduro. Trump repeated vow US would ‘run’ VenezuelaTrump’s vow to “run” Venezuela, repeated more than half a dozen times at a news conference in Florida on Saturday, sparked concerns among some Democrats. “The whole foreign policy apparatus thinks everything is Libya, everything is Iraq, everything is Afghanistan,” Rubio said. The Trump administration spent months building up American forces in the region and carrying out attacks on boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean for allegedly ferrying drugs. Quiet falls in Venezuela after US operationVenezuela’s government kept operating as usual over the weekend as ministers remained in their posts.
Source:Libya Today
January 05, 2026 05:36 UTC
Mali Joins Burkina Faso, Syria, Iran, Libya, Yemen, and More as US Travel Ban Takes Effect, Shaking Global Travel, Business, and Diplomatic Relations
Mali Joins Burkina Faso, Syria, Iran, Libya, Yemen, and More as US Travel Ban Takes Effect, Shaking Global Travel, Business, and Diplomatic RelationsAs of January 1, 2026, a far-reaching travel ban imposed by the U.S. government under President Donald Trump has gone into full effect, radically altering international travel dynamics. The scope of this travel ban is wide, restricting citizens from several African, Middle Eastern, and Asian nations from entering the United States. (Mintz.com)Why the U.S. Government Deemed the Ban NecessaryThe U.S. government’s reasoning for implementing this broad travel ban stems from a national security imperative. As the new 2026 U.S. travel ban becomes a reality, it remains to be seen how long it will remain in place. Conclusion: What This Means for Global TravelersThe impact of this expanded U.S. travel ban is undeniable, and it brings us to a crucial juncture in the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration, global travel restrictions, and international diplomacy.
Source:Libya Today
January 05, 2026 01:37 UTC
HNEC rejects "allegations" of obstructing constitutional referendum
The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has denied what it described as “allegations” circulating about its lack of commitment to implementing a referendum on the draft constitution, stressing that such claims do not reflect the reality of the legal and constitutional process being followed. The HNEC explained in a statement that the failure to implement the referendum was due to obstacles beyond its control, most notably the refusal;at previous stages; by both the High Council of State and the Government of National Accord to hold the referendum under the existing legal framework, which, according to the HNEC, prevented progress on this national entitlement. The HNEC further clarified that the Tenth Constitutional Amendment issued in March 2022 provided for the formation of a committee to address disputes related to the draft constitution. However, the committee failed to achieve its intended goal of reaching consensus on amending the draft, nor did the HNEC receive the amended version of the draft constitution that would legally allow it to resume referendum procedures. The HNEC emphasized that returning to the constitutional track requires adherence to the Tenth and Twelfth Constitutional Amendments, in addition to the availability of clear political consIt also stressed that its board has never been an obstacle to holding the referendum, reiterating its commitment to implementing any constitutional or electoral process legally referred to it in full compliance with the law and in a manner that safeguards the will of the Libyan people.
Source:Libya Observer
January 04, 2026 20:24 UTC
Abu Salim prison massacre case postponed to 8 February
The Tripoli Court of Appeal, Second Criminal Chamber, decided on Sunday; during its twelfth session, to postpone consideration of the Abu Salim prison massacre case to 8 February 2026, while keeping the defendants in custody pending verdict. The lawyer for the Association of Victims of the Abu Salim Prison Massacre, Mustafa Al-Majdoub, explained that the session saw the attendance of the main defendants, namely the second defendant Abdullah Al-Senussi and the third defendant Mansour Daw, via video, while two other defendants detained in the case were absent. Al-Majdoub said in remarks to Libya Al-Ahrar TV that the session recorded the absence of the defense lawyer for the second defendant, while defense lawyers for several other defendants were present, in addition to a number of families of the victims of the Abu Salim massacre. Last December, the “Association of the Martyrs of the Abu Salim Prison Massacre” called for speeding up the arrest and appearance of all defendants in the case in accordance with the indictment issued by the Public Prosecutor. It also condemned what it described as “any attempts to release Abdullah Al-Senussi, accused of killing 1,269 prisoners.”
Source:Libya Observer
January 04, 2026 20:24 UTC
HoR committee reviews pharmacy and medicines bill
The House of Representatives (HCS) has reviewed a draft law regulating pharmacy and medicines, following detailed discussions by its Health and Environment Committee. According to the House’s official spokesperson, Abdullah Blihiq, the committee has completed its review of the legislation after a series of meetings spanning around eighteen months. The bill, in its final form, will now be referred to the Health Committee before being presented to the House of Representatives for a vote. The meeting was chaired by committee member Asmaa Al-Khouja and attended by other members of the Health and Environment Committee.
Source:Libya Observer
January 04, 2026 16:01 UTC
Prosecutors investigate damage to Ajdabiya heritage sites
Prosecutors in eastern Benghazi have opened an investigation into alleged attacks on archaeological sites in the Ajdabiya area. The Public Order Prosecution said it was reviewing complaints over damage to several sites overseen by the Ajdabiya Antiquities Office. According to the Benghazi Antiquities Authority, a specialist committee has been formed including prosecutors, representatives of the tourist police and antiquities protection units, and a group of archaeologists. The team has carried out on-site inspections alongside the head of the Ajdabiya office. Officials said the aim was to assess the extent of the damage and collect evidence to document the violations, with a view to taking legal action against those responsible.
Source:Libya Observer
January 04, 2026 12:25 UTC
Sam George reacts to US capture of Venezuelan president
The minister’s reaction follows breaking reports on January 3, 2026, that U.S. forces successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a high-stakes raid in the capital, Caracas. The event has sent shockwaves through the diplomatic world, drawing immediate comparisons to previous Western interventions in the Middle East and North Africa. George, an alumnus of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), noted that the military action serves as a live case study for the theories of international law he once researched. "Today's events in Caracas remind me of my dissertation topic at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, focusing on issues of international law," George posted. Sam George’s critique centred on whether the world is witnessing a repetitive cycle of "regime change" strategies that have historically led to long-term instability.
Source:Libya Today
January 04, 2026 05:36 UTC
Head of Instagram: We can no longer trust what we see on social media platforms
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, warned that the world is entering an era of “infinite synthetic content.” It is becoming difficult to distinguish between real and fake content. This is due to rapid advancements in AI and deepfake technologies. Mosseri stated that platforms will redefine authenticity. He added: “Throughout my life, I safely assumed images or videos were accurate records of actual events.” “This is no longer the case today.” “We will need years to adapt to this reality.”According to Mosseri, Instagram and other platforms need to evolve. Verifying authentic content is also required.
Source:Libya Today
January 03, 2026 20:00 UTC
Al-Shaari warns of “the abyss”: comprehensive elections or protests and civil disobedience
Libya – Libyan political analyst Moatasem Al-Shaari stated that unresolved security issues are the main cause of political stagnation in Libya. He emphasized that political disputes will not be resolved until the security situation is addressed first. Al-Shaari explained that addressing the security situation would end a large part of the disputes. He described current political meetings and dialogues as a “storm in a teacup.” These transient meetings will not lead to real solutions. He warned that continued political stagnation and deteriorating economic conditions could lead Libya towards “the abyss.” He anticipates citizens taking to the streets and squares.
Source:Libya Today
January 03, 2026 17:45 UTC
Smuggling of an ancient artifact foiled in Tarhuna
The Tourist Police and Antiquities Protection Department has thwarted an attempt to smuggle an ancient artifact and the arrest of a smuggling network. This operation came after a video was spotted on Facebook offering the artifact for sale. Upon initiating investigative procedures and contacting the suspect, it was determined that he was located within the city of Tarhuna, according to a statement issued by the department. In coordination with the Tarhuna Security Directorate, the department apprehended three individuals, one Libyan and two Egyptians. The detainees were referred to the Public Order Prosecution Office in Tripoli to complete the legal investigations against them.
Source:Libya Observer
January 03, 2026 15:56 UTC
225 foreigners obtained Libyan citizenship by falsifying family records
The Attorney General's Office has announced the seizure of 61 forged family records that enabled 225 foreigners to illegally obtain Libyan citizenship. In a statement, the Prosecution's Office said that investigations revealed the falsification of family records that were transferred from the Civil Registry Office in Ubari to the Civil Registry Offices in Hun and Sukna, in procedures that fall outside the jurisdiction of the Civil Status Authority. The investigation revealed that these procedures enabled 225 foreigners holding Malian citizenship from obtaining Libyan national identification numbers, passports, and benefit from grants allocated to Libyan citizens. Furthermore, some were able to occupy public sector jobs, along with the legal privileges associated with citizenship.
Source:Libya Observer
January 03, 2026 15:56 UTC
Dbeibah orders tough measures against price manipulation
Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah has called for strict action against traders accused of hoarding goods or manipulating prices, saying the government will not tolerate practices that harm citizens or destabilise the market. Speaking at an expanded meeting on Thursday to review price levels and economic conditions, Dbeibah said controlling prices and protecting consumers remain a top priority for his government. He instructed authorities to intensify inspections in markets and to strengthen coordination between the Economy Ministry, the Municipal Guard and other agencies, to track goods from entry points to retail outlets and ensure traders comply with approved pricing. The meeting was attended by senior economic and government officials, including the prime minister’s financial adviser, Economy Minister Mohamed Al-Hweij and the head of the Municipal Guard. Participants discussed the value of letters of credit for importing basic goods and how they affect availability and price stability, as well as challenges in supply chains and distribution, and ways to address them to maintain balance in the local market.
Source:Libya Observer
January 03, 2026 12:06 UTC