Libya SITREP: 14 May 2025 – 10:00

by | May 14, 2025 | Contingency, Libya, Security

As of 1000, 14 May 2025:

Situation:

  • On the evening of 12 May 2025, Abdel Ghani Al-Kikli aka Ghneiwa, the leader of the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) a powerful militia in Tripoli, was assassinated.
  • Ghneiwa was reportedly assassinated during a meeting with Tripoli’s Minister of Interior Imed Trabelsi, and the head of the 444th Brigade, Mahmoud Hamza, which was convened to resolve a dispute.
  • Fighting occurred throughout the evening of 12 May into the morning of 13 May before a period of calm. 
  • However, fighting resumed the evening of 13 May with explosions and gunfire reported in multiple Tripoli neighborhoods

Latest Events in Libya:

  • Dismantled factions, including the Judicial Police, started evacuating, handing over their headquarters, and moving toward Mitiga.
  • The Youth of Souk El-Jomaa (شباب سوق الجمعة) gathered and denounced the selectivity of the GNU in dismantling factions, claiming that this favors groups with links to Misrata.
  • Radaa, joined by Youth of Souk el Jomaa, Janzur forces from Zaouia and Werchfana, SSA groups, and the Judicial Police, started operations against GNU factions. 
  • Non-confirmed reports indicated that Radaa was joined by anti-GNU factions from Zouara, Busra, Tajoura, Ajilet, Sabrata, Nalout and Zintan, and Oussama Jwili. 
  • Units from the Haftar-led Libyan Army began moving from Benghazi to Sirte, which forced the Misrati factions to retreat to Misrata. 
  • Radaa advanced toward the 444th Brigade base in Tekbali.
  • The 444th Brigade advanced in Ain Zara.
  • The 111th Brigade retreated from positions in Ben Qshair.
  • Presidential Council Chairman Al-Menfi posted on his meeting with Souk El-Jomaa representatives highlighting the representatives’ denunciation of “selective decisions of the Prime Minister Dbaibah” and “the deviation of the national path and exploitation of authority for political purpose.”
  • Some commentators have opined that this may be an attempt to prepare the Presidential Council for a possible collapse of the Prime Minstry and GNU. 

Impact:

  • While initial claims by the Tripoli government indicated the situation was under control, significant instability remains in and around Tripoli.
  • If the eastern government senses a military opportunity and sends troops toward Tripoli, a more severe conflict could quickly develop.
  • The delegitimization or dismissal of Dbaibah’s government by influential militias could lead to prolonged instability in Tripoli.

Recommendations:

  • Limit or cancel movements around Tripoli and to other cities.
  • Tripoli residents should shelter-in-place and review contingency plan triggers.
  • Avoid crowds or large gatherings, especially of armed individuals.
  • Confirm communication channels are operational with in-country and external support personnel.
  • Ensure that evacuation plans are in place and begin communication with necessary evacuation resources to ensure readiness
  • Maintain situational awareness, including monitoring reliable information sources for updates.

Need more information? Contact our team.