Stories from Libya

Ali Mahmoud, Chairman of the Libyan Investment Authority, held discussions with a US official regarding the reinvestment of frozen assets. The talks focused on the management and potential reallocation of these funds.

The body of a Sufi sheikh was discovered within a prison in Benghazi, Libya. This marks the second such incident reported in the city within a single week.

The sixth edition of the AfriBates African Construction and Equipment Exhibition opened in Misrata, Libya. Libyan Government of National Unity Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah inaugurated the event.

The UN Security Council will conduct routine reviews and deliberations regarding Libya this month. The agenda includes monitoring the arms embargo in the high seas off the Libyan coast.

A video circulating on social media falsely claimed that Mali deployed 300,000 soldiers to the Algerian border. RFI Monde investigators used reverse image searches to determine the footage actually shows a Libyan National Army military exercise named Tonnerre.

A viral TikTok video claiming 300,000 Malian soldiers are moving toward Algeria is false. The footage actually shows a Libyan National Army military exercise named Operation Thunder. The video depicts soldiers in sand camouflage and khaki tactical vests marching in a desert alongside pick-ups and armored vehicles. Fact-checkers confirmed the images are not from Mali or Algeria. A low-quality TikTok video falsely claims that Mali has deployed 300,000 soldiers to the Algerian border. The video depicts the 6th Infantry Brigade, loyal to Marshal Khalifa Haftar and commanded by his son Khaled Haftar. RFI Afrique investigators used reverse image searches and analysis of soldier uniforms and scenery to determine the video's true origin.

The Flintlark 2026 Multinational Special Forces Exercise has concluded in the city of Sirte, Libya. The exercise was organized with the stated goal of achieving a single and strong Libya.

A Libyan organization reported that seven people died during an aid operation on Wednesday. The operation involved a boat that reportedly carried seven individuals. The organization is currently reviewing citizenship status related to the incident.

Bulgarian nurses who had been detained in Libya for eight years have been released. The release follows a visit to Tripoli by newly elected President Nicolas Sarkozy to meet with Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Claude Guéant stated that the visit was intended to address the arrest warrant for Abdel-Asenoussi, described as a terrorist and Sarkozy's brother-in-law. The meeting is being discussed in the context of alleged corruption pacts involving Libyan financing of political campaigns. The incident involves a key moment from July 25, 2007, which is currently being examined in court.

A Libyan Red Crescent petroleum boat recovered 17 bodies from a disabled vessel off the coast of Libya. Seven people were rescued from the boat. The vessel had reportedly been in distress for eight days. Seventeen migrants died and nine are missing following a boat capsizing. The incident occurred near the Algerian coast. The rescue is described as one of the most difficult operations conducted by the coast guard.