SABHA -Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, has begun a tour of southern Libya to inspect ongoing development projects being carried out by the Benghazi-based government.
During the visit, Haftar is also meeting with tribal leaders from across the region to strengthen national unity, discuss local issues, and hear residents’ needs and urgent requests.
The tour is expected to include inspections of infrastructure and public service projects as part of broader efforts to accelerate development and improve living conditions in southern Libya.
Mohammed Bahroun, known as “Al-Far” and commander of the Security Threats Unit, said his forces acted in self-defense during the armed clashes that erupted in Surman early Tuesday, rejecting claims they were the aggressors.
In a statement, Bahroun said his unit’s mission is to combat organized crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, fuel smuggling, and highway robbery. He claimed the unit’s headquarters and the Surman Security Directorate came under armed attack by groups linked to criminal networks, forcing his forces to respond.
He said the attackers’ headquarters was secured only to eliminate the threat before being handed over to the Tripoli based Government of National Unity authorities in coordination with military officials, stressing that his forces had no intention of seizing or controlling state institutions.
Bahroun called for an urgent, transparent, and independent investigation into the incident, urging authorities to hold those responsible accountable. He also stressed that his unit’s dispute was with criminal gangs, not the people of Surman or the western region, and called for unity in supporting state institutions and the fight against organized crime.
Chief of Staff of the Libyan military under the Tripoli-based government, Lieutenant General Salah Al-Din Al-Namroush, announced the deployment of military forces of brigade 52 across Surman following deadly clashes that erupted early Tuesday morning, which reportedly led to a prison break in the city.
The deployed forces have been tasked with securing Surman and protecting its prison as part of efforts to restore stability and safeguard vital infrastructure. The deployment comes after the withdrawal of armed groups from the city, with authorities saying the move aims to restore calm and normalcy
Libya’s Foreign Minister of Benghazi based government , Abdulhadi Al-Hawaij, received Pakistan’s Consul General, Qasim Zia Ghuman, in Benghazi as preparations continue for the opening of the Pakistani Consulate General in the Benghazi.
The new consulate is expected to enhance diplomatic ties and expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, healthcare, and other sectors. Ghuman reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Libya
Libyan Interior Minister Imad al-Tarabulsi of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity began an official visit to Ankara on Tuesday, holding a series of high-level meetings with Turkish political and security officials.
Al-Tarabulsi met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the head of Turkey’s intelligence service, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, and other senior security officials to discuss issues of mutual interest.
The discussions focused on proposals to waive visa requirements for Libyan citizens and simplify residency procedures for Libyans living in Turkey. The meetings also underscored the two countries’ efforts to deepen security cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has identified 943,748 migrants across Libya during its March-April 2026 assessment, highlighting the country’s continued role as a major destination and transit hub despite ongoing challenges.
According to the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Round 62, migrants were recorded in 100 municipalities and 641 communities nationwide. Western Libya hosts the largest share with 53%, followed by the east with 36% and the south with 11%. Major cities including Tripoli, Benghazi, and Misrata remain key destinations due to employment opportunities and access to services.
The report found that economic reasons remain the main driver of migration, with 79% of migrants citing job opportunities and better living conditions as their primary motivation. Another 19% said they fled conflict and insecurity in their home countries, particularly migrants from Sudan and some North African states.
Meanwhile, Libyan authorities continue operations against irregular migration across the country. Cities including Benghazi and other regions have witnessed arrests of migrants from various nationalities. In Benghazi alone, 167 migrants from different origins were reportedly arrested yesterday as part of ongoing efforts to address illegal migration.
The IOM warned that migrant communities continue to face humanitarian needs, with blankets, mattresses, clothing, and hygiene supplies among the most requested assistance items. The organisation said its latest data will support humanitarian agencies and Libyan authorities in planning services and responding to migration challenges.
The National Center for Meteorology has forecast that a moderate heat wave will continue to affect most parts of Libya today and tomorrow.
Temperatures are expected to range between 42°C and 47°C across the country’s interior regions before gradually easing from tomorrow evening. However, another rise in temperatures is forecast for Sunday and Monday, bringing renewed hot conditions to many areas.
The Great Man-Made River Authority has announced a temporary disruption to water supplies after Unit 1 at the Sarir Gas Power Plant shut down, forcing 143 water wells offline.
The outage affected 51 wells in the Tazerbo field and 92 wells in the Sarir field. Technical teams began restarting the wells immediately after power was restored, with water pumping expected to resume shortly.
The Authority said the incident will reduce water supplies to several cities and areas for around 24 hours as a precaution to protect the pipeline network and maintain safe water levels at the Ajdabiya reservoir.
It stressed that the power outage was beyond its control and responsibility.
Central Bank of Libya Governor Naji Mohammed Issa Belqasim met with the Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Pan Gongsheng, in Beijing to strengthen financial and banking cooperation between the two countries.
The most significant outcome: the two sides formally agreed on the accession of Libyan banks to China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payments System (CIPS). The move will streamline payments and transfers between Libya and China, speed up financial transactions, and support trade and business between the two countries.
The two sides also agreed to diversify Libyan investments through access to the Chinese bond market, part of the Central Bank’s strategy to broaden its investment portfolio and improve the management of its reserves. Pan welcomed the step and affirmed China’s support for the bank’s objectives.
Talks also covered drawing on China’s experience in financial infrastructure, digital payment systems, and modern financial technology to help modernize Libya’s banking services and bring them in line with international standards.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to launch the first Libyan-Chinese Banking Forum, to be held on the sidelines of the China-Africa Forum in early 2027. The forum will bring together banks and financial institutions from both countries to expand investment partnerships and cooperation.
Minister of Economy and Trade in the Government of National Unity, Suhail Boushiha, met with British Ambassador to Libya Martin Reynolds to discuss boosting economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
The talks focused on supporting the return of major British companies to invest and operate in the Libyan market, particularly in energy, mining, services, and information technology.
The two sides also discussed finalizing and activating the Libyan-British Business Council, which aims to strengthen partnerships between the private sectors of both countries, encourage trade and investment, and organize joint economic events.
