Latest news with #LNA
Libya Review
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Greece to Train Libyan Army Officers To Combat Illegal Migration
Greece is set to provide specialised training for officers of the Libyan National Army (LNA) to enhance efforts in combating illegal migration. The first group of LNA personnel is expected to arrive in Greece soon under a newly concluded bilateral agreement. The deal was finalised following a meeting between Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and LNA Commander-in-Chief Khalifa Haftar, who controls eastern Libya. This agreement signals an improvement in relations between Athens and Benghazi after a period of diplomatic tensions. Under the programme, Greek authorities will train Libyan coast guard units in visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) tactics for vessels suspected of human trafficking. The training will also cover search and rescue operations, reflecting the increasing number of migrant crossings from Libya towards Crete. Haftar has also requested additional support from Greece, including the repair of ageing coast guard ships and the provision of multipurpose patrol vehicles. These resources are aimed at securing Libya's long borders with Egypt and Sudan, which remain key transit routes for migrants attempting to reach Europe. A recent surge in migrant arrivals on Crete has put pressure on Greek authorities. In response, the Greek government has tightened asylum rules, with new arrivals from Libya being detained rather than accommodated in open reception centres. By supporting the LNA, Athens aims not only to stem migrant flows but also to counter the Turkish-Libyan maritime agreement signed by the Tripoli-based government. Greek officials reaffirmed their right to conduct oil and gas exploration south of Crete, citing Chevron's ongoing operations in the area as proof of international backing. Tags: Coast guardGreecelibyaLibyan armyLNAMediterraneanmigration
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Libya Review
Libyan Authorities Seize 5 Tonnes of Hashish Near Benghazi
Libya's security forces have seized five tonnes of hashish and dismantled a criminal network involved in drug trafficking in the outskirts of Taknes, Green Mountain, around 127 km east of Benghazi. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Libyan authorities confirmed that the operation was conducted at dawn on Saturday, following direct instructions from Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, who oversees anti-narcotics operations. The raid, coordinated with the 682nd Battalion of the Libyan National Army (LNA), marks the first of its kind in the Green Mountain region targeting large-scale drug cultivation and production. Authorities revealed that the network was engaged in both the cultivation and processing of hashish in remote areas near Taknes. Several suspects were arrested during the raid, and investigations are underway to trace other members of the trafficking chain. The operation comes amid increased efforts by Libyan security forces to combat drug smuggling and organised crime. In April, the Criminal Investigation Department in Benghazi intercepted 34 kilogrammes of hashish during an attempt to smuggle the drugs from Saluq to Benghazi. Similarly, in March 2024, the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Directorate seized 128 kilogrammes of raw cocaine in one of the country's largest drug busts. Officials emphasised that these operations highlight the growing threat of drug trafficking networks operating across Libya, exploiting instability and difficult terrain. The authorities pledged to intensify operations and maintain close coordination with LNA units to prevent the spread of narcotics. The latest seizure underscores Libya's ongoing battle against illegal drugs, which security officials warn are being trafficked through the country as part of larger regional and international smuggling routes. Tags: benghaziDrugsHashishlibya
Libya Review
5 days 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
5 days 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
7 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
