Middle East update: Libya campaign day 4, refugee crisis and the politics of intervention
Today marks the fourth day of the European and American campaign against Gadhafi’s forces in Libya. The U.N.-sanctioned military intervention was originally designed to establish a no-fly zone, but also seems geared to free up the rebels to take on the Libyan leader themselves. Here in the U.S., the politics of intervention are heating up. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are questioning President Obama about the goals of the mission and top Republicans are ramping up their criticisms. Guests:Liz Sly, Foreign Correspondent for the Washington Post, currently in Tripoli, LibyaDoyle McManus, Washington Columnist for the Los Angeles Times, covering national and international politicsSylvia Poggioli, NPR Senior Foreign Correspondent, reporting from Rome, ItalyGarrett Therolf, Los Angeles Times Reporter currently in Cairo, Egypt
Source:Libya Today
June 25, 2024 11:38 UTC
973 migrants intercepted off Libyan coast in past week: IOM
TRIPOLI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday said that 973 migrants were intercepted and returned off the coast of Libya in the past week. "From 16 to 22 June 2024, 973 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya," IOM said in a statement. The migrants include 44 women and 27 children, IOM said, adding that 12 bodies of migrants were recovered off the Libyan coast. So far this year, a total of 8,754 migrants have been intercepted, while 332 died and 528 others went missing off the Libyan coast, IOM said. In 2023, the total number of migrants being intercepted and returned stood at 17,190.
Source:Libya Today
June 25, 2024 04:10 UTC
After Niger exit, list of possible US allies includes Libya, general says
With American troops no longer welcome in Niger after a military coup, the U.S. is looking for new allies in the region, including Libya, the top official for Africa Command said Monday. Langley’s comments come after the Pentagon announced that the U.S. would withdraw its troops based in Niger. Before the slated withdrawal, the U.S. had roughly 1,000 troops and defense contractors in Niger at its two bases, Air Base 101 and Air Base 201. The Libya National Army, a force of around 25,000 fighters which controls large parts of east and south Libya. Shortly after officials in Niger demanded American troops out, its eastern neighbor, Chad, had the same request for U.S. troops based at Adji Kossei Air Base near N’Djamena.
Source:Libya Today
June 24, 2024 22:00 UTC
Libya delays reopening Ras Jedir border crossing with Tunisia
Libya postpones the reopening of the main border crossing with Tunisia yet again, impacting a crucial route for both legitimate and illegitimate trade. "Armed groups from the city of Zuwara closed the main road leading to the Ras Jedir border crossing with Tunisia, causing the postponement of its reopening to traffic, which was scheduled for today," reported local media on Monday, 24 June. The Ras Jedir border area also witnessed the Tunisian authorities' dumping of hundreds of migrants last year in the Sahara, where at least twenty people, including women and children, died of thirst. "It is difficult to ascertain the reasons for the postponement of the opening of Ras Jedir. Following the March's violent outbreak, the Zuwara Military Chamber and Tripoli's Chief of General Staff reached an agreement and decided to form a Joint Force to secure the border crossing.
Source:Libya Today
June 24, 2024 19:40 UTC
Libya’s NOC in crisis, getting behind on salaries as Schlumberger threatens to suspend ops
Authority in Libya’s oil and gas sector is fraying, with a flood of internal administrative correspondence leaking from the Government of National Unity and especially from NOC, whose failure to account for its multi-billion dollar budgets is now threatening operations, while two rival ministers compete for control and services giant Schlumberger has threatened to suspend operations until its debts are paid, writes John Hamilton.
Source:Libya Today
June 24, 2024 13:14 UTC
Customs find €13 million worth of cannabis concealed in industrial ovens
Customs officials found €13 million worth of Cannabis resin concealed within industrial ovens in a container at the Malta Freeport Terminal. After carrying out a risk assessment, officials decided that the container, originating from Morocco and bound for Libya, should be scanned and thoroughly examined. The six induction ovens showed significant inconsistencies in the first scan that was carried out, and further investigations showed that irregular material was concealed in the ovens. Once unsealed, 4,300kgs of Cannabis resin were uncovered, and embedded in the inner parts of the oven which was purposely built to distract and mislead the authorities. This was not the only recent drug find: last week Customs intercepted 50kgs of cocaine from a container that arrived from Ecuador on the way to Slovenia.
Source:Libya Today
June 24, 2024 12:52 UTC
Italian Authorities Seize Cargo Ship Carrying Weapons To Libya At U.S. Request
Italian authorities, acting on US Intelligence, seized a cargo ship suspected of transporting Russian weapons to General Khalifa Haftar’s forces in Eastern Libya. Italian authorities seized millions of dollars in military supplies purportedly heading for Benghazi, a region controlled by Haftar. Reference: AA, Turkiye TodayDisclaimer :The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. Disclaimer :The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. Suggest a correctionAbout Author Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry.
Source:Libya Today
June 24, 2024 12:01 UTC
Head Of Libyan Govt, US Special Envoy Discuss Developments In Libya
(MENAFN- The Peninsula) QNATripoli: Head of the Libyan of National Unity Abdul Hamid Al Dbeiba met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy to Libya, Richard Norland. The two sides discussed developments in the Libyan situation, in addition to promoting cooperation between the two countries in a host of local and international issues of common concern. Dbeibah reaffirmed his government's support for local and international efforts aimed at holding parliamentary and presidential in accordance with fair, enforceable laws to end the transitional stages.
Source:Libya Today
June 24, 2024 05:43 UTC
Head of Libyan govt, US Special Envoy discuss developments in Libya
QNATripoli: Head of the Libyan Government of National Unity Abdul Hamid Al Dbeiba met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy to Libya, Richard Norland. The two sides discussed developments in the Libyan political situation, in addition to promoting cooperation between the two countries in a host of local and international issues of common concern. Dbeibah reaffirmed his government's support for local and international efforts aimed at holding parliamentary and presidential elections in accordance with fair, enforceable laws to end the transitional stages.
Source:Libya Today
June 23, 2024 21:37 UTC
Terrorist rampage rocks Dagestan: Multiple attacks leave dozens injured and dead
Unknown terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on multiple locations in the Russian Republic of Dagestan on Sunday, resulting in casualties and widespread chaos. According to officials, the attacks targeted various sites including a synagogue, two churches, a roadside gas station, and a police security checkpoint. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the assaults occurred in Makhachkala and Derbent around 1500 GMT. In Makhachkala, terrorists attacked a police checkpoint, while in Derbent, they targeted two churches and a synagogue. In response to the attacks, authorities swiftly imposed security cordons in Makhachkala and Derbent, intensifying efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
Source:Libya Today
June 23, 2024 19:16 UTC
Main opposition leader Ozel pressures ruling AK Party on minimum wage
The main opposition, Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Ozgur Ozel recently visited earthquake survivors at Renaissance Container City in the Yesilyurt district of Malatya, where he engaged with families, including disabled children, and distributed toys. During his visit, Ozel raised concerns about the difficult living conditions in the earthquake-stricken region, particularly in containers. ‘People cannot make a living’Ozel also visited the CHP’s Malatya Provincial Presidency, where he spoke at a public gathering. Ozel here slammed the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) over the minimum wage. Underlining that people complaining that they cannot make a living, “There is a real people’s party that will voice your concerns, a political party that really seeks the rights of working people.
Source:Libya Today
June 23, 2024 17:58 UTC
Israeli Defense Minister’s urgent US visit: ‘Critical discussions’ amid Gaza conflict
3rd stage of operationsBefore departing Israel, Gallant stressed the critical importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship, particularly in light of what he termed the “third stage” of Israel’s operations in Gaza. These discussions were deemed pivotal for shaping the future of the conflict in Gaza. US committed to Israel’s securityIn response, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s security during a press briefing. Miller emphasized that Secretary Blinken had directly assured Netanyahu of this commitment in their recent meeting. He cautioned against public disputes, asserting that ongoing support for Israel, aside from one shipment, continues as normal.
Source:Libya Today
June 23, 2024 16:55 UTC
US Base in Homs, Syria targeted by drone attack
A U.S. base in western Syria’s Homs province came under a drone attack, according to local sources Sunday. The suicide drone was shot down by U.S. soldiers at the base in the al-Tanf area near the border with Jordan late Saturday, the sources said. No injuries were reported. The U.S. base came under a similar drone attack last April 7. Groups backed by Iran occasionally target American bases on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River using missiles and suicide drones.
Source:Libya Today
June 23, 2024 15:01 UTC
Romania donates Patriot missile system to Ukraine amidst escalating tensions
NATO member Romania announced Thursday that it would send a Patriot missile system to Ukraine, as the White House said the United States will prioritise deliveries of anti-air missiles to Kyiv to help battle Russia’s invasion. “Considering the significant deterioration of the security situation in Ukraine…council members decided to donate a Patriot system to Ukraine in close coordination with allies,” Romania’s Supreme Council of National Defence said in a statement. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also said he welcomed Romania’s decision to provide a “much-needed” Patriot system to Ukraine. Germany recently announced it would transfer a third Patriot air-defence system to Ukraine, while the United States is expected to send a second battery to Kyiv, according to U.S. media reports. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis indicated an openness to help Kyiv with a Patriot system at the beginning of May, after meeting U.S. counterpart Joe Biden in Washington.
Source:Libya Today
June 23, 2024 13:51 UTC
Houthi rebels, Iraqi militia target ships in Israeli port and Mediterranean Sea
Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced late Saturday that their forces, in coordination with an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia, targeted five ships in the northern Israeli port of Haifa and the Mediterranean Sea. There was no immediate comment from Israel, the US, or Britain, the countries whose ships the Houthis typically target. Later, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) denied the claim of a “successful attack” on the U.S. ship. The Houthis have been targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea owned or operated by Israeli companies or transporting goods to and from Israel in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, where more than 37,500 people have been killed in a deadly Israeli offensive since last October. The Red Sea is one of the world’s most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.
Source:Libya Today
June 23, 2024 11:48 UTC