The Latest Breaking News from UNSMIL

Heavy gunfire, clashes in Libya’s Tripoli after killing of militia leader

Interior Ministry urges residents to stay home and avoid movement, warning of further instability.

Al Jazeera · May 12, 2025

UN’s Libya envoy resigns citing no hope for political progress

Abdoulaye Bathily says ‘lack of political will and good faith’ are making UN governance efforts in Libya futile.

Al Jazeera · Apr 16, 2024

Oilfields partially resume after ex-official released in Libya

Two out of three oilfields shut in protest over the kidnapping of a former finance minister have resumed operations.

Al Jazeera · Jul 16, 2023

UN Calls to Investigate Hunger Strike of 70 Libyan Inmates

Several human rights groups and families of inmates said that around 70 inmates at Mitiga Central Prison in Tripoli have been on a hunger strike for around a month in objection to the ill-treatment. Some family members told Asharq Al-Awsat that they have been banned from visiting their relatives at…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Nov 18, 2022

US to Reevaluate Ties with Libyan Sides Hindering Political Solution

The US Special Envoy and Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland concluded his visit to the Libyan capital Tripoli, threatening sanctions against parties who obstruct the progress of a political process in Libya. In a clear threat after a series of meetings with government officials, international partners, and the donor community,…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Nov 12, 2022

UNSMIL Asks About Impact of Proliferation of Arms on Libyans

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) asked Libyan citizens about the impact of the spread of arms in Libya on them, their families, and their children. In a tweet on its Twitter account on Disarmament Week, UNSMIL announced that it would like to hear from people in Libya,…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Oct 30, 2022

Security Council Extends Mandate of UN Mission to Libya for 12 Months

The Security Council voted unanimously Friday to extend the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for a year and urged key institutions and parties in the divided north African country to agree on a roadmap to deliver presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible.

Asharq Al-Awsat · Oct 29, 2022

Libya's Bashagha Admits his Government Failed to Enter Tripoli

Libya’s parliament-appointed prime minister, Fathi Bashagha, has admitted the government’s failure to conduct its daily business from the capital Tripoli nearly eight months after its formation. Bashagha said in a speech in Benghazi, after concluding his tour abroad, that the cabinet will exercise its duties from Sirte and Benghazi, adding…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Sep 22, 2022

UNSMIL Calls for Addressing Enforced Disappearances in Libya

The United National Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called on relevant authorities to address enforced disappearances in the country as part of a rights-based national reconciliation process. “Families have the right to know the fate of their loved ones and the right justice,” it said in a statement on…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Sep 1, 2022

Tripoli Becomes Military Base amid Fears of War in Libya

The Libyan capital, Tripoli, turned into a military base amid fears of war between the militias supported by Abdel Hamid Dbeibeh, head of the interim government, and fighters backed by parliament-appointed Fathi Bashagha, who chairs the unity cabinet. The commander of the western military region, Major General Osama al-Juwaili, said…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Aug 27, 2022