Libya's Presidency Council has suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush for "administrative violations" and barred her from travelling, its spokesperson said on Saturday.

The spokesperson, Najwa Wahiba, confirmed the authenticity of a document circulating on social media ordering Mangoush's suspension for carrying out foreign policy without coordination with the council.

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Libya's internationally recognised Government of National Accord issued a statement early on Sunday rejecting the council's decision and lauding the minister's efforts, saying she would carry her duties normally.

The statement, issued on the government's Facebook page, said that the Presidency Council has "no legal right to appoint or cancel the appointment of members of the executive authority, suspend them or investigate them." It added that these powers are exclusive to the prime minister.

The Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, a UN-selected assembly that set a roadmap for peace in Libya, chose a three-man Presidency Council headed by Mohamed Menfi until election are held.

Disagreement over the council's suspension of the foreign minister is likely to increase tensions between Libya's rival factions as they try to work together after years of conflict.

Libya's Presidency Council has suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush for "administrative violations" and barred her from travelling, its spokesperson said on Saturday.

Libya's Presidency Council has suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush for "administrative violations" and barred her from travelling, its spokesperson said on Saturday. The spokesperson, Najwa Wahiba, confirmed the authenticity of a document circulating on social media ordering Mangoush's suspension for carrying out foreign policy without coordination with the council. Also Read | 5 takeaways from the first days of the climate summit Libya's internationally recognised Government of National Accord issued a statement early on Sunday rejecting the council's decision and lauding the minister's efforts, saying she would carry her duties normally. The statement, issued on the government's Facebook page, said that the Presidency Council has "no legal right to appoint or cancel the appointment of members of the executive authority, suspend them or investigate them." It added that these powers are exclusive to the prime minister. The Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, a UN-selected assembly that set a roadmap for peace in Libya, chose a three-man Presidency Council headed by Mohamed Menfi until election are held. Disagreement over the council's suspension of the foreign minister is likely to increase tensions between Libya's rival factions as they try to work together after years of conflict.

After Libya's Presidency Council suspends foreign minister, govt rejects decision

After a violent crackdown by the armed forces, migrants and refugees in tripoli gathered outside a UN center to seek help in escaping Libya. The migrants say they have been victims of violent abuse, torture, and extortion.

Libya: Migrants in fear after a violent crackdown by forces

Thousands of refugees and migrants in Libya are trapped in a vicious cycle of cruelty. With little to no hope of finding safe and legal pathways out, they have been enduring unethical suffering in Libya. They risk their lives at sea seeking safety in Europe only to be intercepted, transferred back to Libya to endure the same abuses they sought to escape.

Thousands of refugees, migrants in Libya demand immediate deportation

After more than seven years in detention in Tripoli following his extradition from neighbouring Niger,&nbsp;Libyan authorities released one of Muammar Gadhafi's sons&nbsp;on Sunday,&nbsp;the country's interim leader said.

In a tweet on Monday,&nbsp;Prime Minister-designate Abdul Hamid Dbeibah said that al-Saadi Gadhafi had been released in compliance with an earlier court order.

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The transitional government's spokesman Mohamed Hamouda&nbsp;said the son walked free from Tripoli's al-Hadaba prison.&nbsp;The spokesman did not elaborate on the circumstances of the son's release.

In al-Hadaba prison, many Gadhafi regime officials are being held pending trial, mostly in connection to the crackdown on the 2011 uprising, which toppled the dictator and led to his killing.

After he was acquitted on charges over the 2011 uprising,&nbsp;al-Saadi Gadhafi was released,&nbsp;reported&nbsp;local media. On his release, he travelled to Turkey, said al-Marsad news website.

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In the tweet announcing the release,&nbsp;Dbeibah said,&nbsp;"We cannot move forward without achieving reconciliation."&nbsp;His government has been given the task of leading the war-torn country to elections before the end of this year.

Muammar Gadhafi had eight children. Several of them played significant roles in his regime.&nbsp;During&nbsp;the 2011 revolt, al-Saadi Gadhafi headed a special forces brigade, which was involved in the crackdown on protesters and rebels.

(With inputs from agencies)

After more than seven years in detention in Tripoli following his extradition from neighbouring Niger, Libyan authorities released one of Muammar Gadhafi's sons on Sunday, the country's interim leader said.

After more than seven years in detention in Tripoli following his extradition from neighbouring Niger, Libyan authorities released one of Muammar Gadhafi's sons on Sunday, the country's interim leader said. In a tweet on Monday, Prime Minister-designate Abdul Hamid Dbeibah said that al-Saadi Gadhafi had been released in compliance with an earlier court order. Watch | Afghanistan: Hibatullah Akhundzada is expected to be the Emir × The transitional government's spokesman Mohamed Hamouda said the son walked free from Tripoli's al-Hadaba prison. The spokesman did not elaborate on the circumstances of the son's release. In al-Hadaba prison, many Gadhafi regime officials are being held pending trial, mostly in connection to the crackdown on the 2011 uprising, which toppled the dictator and led to his killing. After he was acquitted on charges over the 2011 uprising, al-Saadi Gadhafi was released, reported local media. On his release, he travelled to Turkey, said al-Marsad news website. Also Read: Anti-Taliban leader, Massoud, says he is ready to talk with Taliban In the tweet announcing the release, Dbeibah said, "We cannot move forward without achieving reconciliation." His government has been given the task of leading the war-torn country to elections before the end of this year. Muammar Gadhafi had eight children. Several of them played significant roles in his regime. During the 2011 revolt, al-Saadi Gadhafi headed a special forces brigade, which was involved in the crackdown on protesters and rebels. (With inputs from agencies)

Libyan authorities release Muammar Gadhafi's son after 7 years in detention

Libyan authorities have shut water supplies to swathes of the country after gunmen demanding the release of a jailed Kadhafi-era official threatened to sabotage the water network.

Supplies to western and southwestern&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;were interrupted overnight Saturday to Sunday, the Great Man-Made River water authority said.

It took the decision to cut the supply after gunmen Thursday stormed several water distribution centres demanding the release of Abdullah al-Senussi.

A brother-in-law of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Senussi was sentenced to death in 2015 over his alleged role in attempting to suppress the 2011 uprising that culminated in Kadhafi's ouster and killing.

On Thursday, gunmen gave authorities 72 hours to release Senussi from detention in the capital Tripoli, the water authority said.

If their demands were not met they planned on attacking the network which brings water from underground wells in the Sahara to Tripoli.

A statement from the Great Man-Made River authority said it was preferable to cut the water supply than see it damaged in any potential attack.

Senussi was extradited in September 2012 by Mauritania, where he fled after Kadhafi's fall.

He was the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for suspected war crimes during the 2011 uprising.

In 2013 the court gave Libyan authorities the green light to put him on trial.

Libyan authorities have shut water supplies to swathes of the country after gunmen demanding the release of a jailed Kadhafi-era official threatened to sabotage the water network.

Libyan authorities have shut water supplies to swathes of the country after gunmen demanding the release of a jailed Kadhafi-era official threatened to sabotage the water network. Supplies to western and southwestern Libya were interrupted overnight Saturday to Sunday, the Great Man-Made River water authority said. It took the decision to cut the supply after gunmen Thursday stormed several water distribution centres demanding the release of Abdullah al-Senussi. A brother-in-law of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Senussi was sentenced to death in 2015 over his alleged role in attempting to suppress the 2011 uprising that culminated in Kadhafi's ouster and killing. On Thursday, gunmen gave authorities 72 hours to release Senussi from detention in the capital Tripoli, the water authority said. If their demands were not met they planned on attacking the network which brings water from underground wells in the Sahara to Tripoli. A statement from the Great Man-Made River authority said it was preferable to cut the water supply than see it damaged in any potential attack. Senussi was extradited in September 2012 by Mauritania, where he fled after Kadhafi's fall. He was the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for suspected war crimes during the 2011 uprising. In 2013 the court gave Libyan authorities the green light to put him on trial.

Swathes of Libya without water after sabotage threats

Tunisia has been struck by a wave of riots and protests amid persistent political instability and a dismal economy, 10 years after the Arab Spring revolt for democracy.&nbsp;

On 17 December 2010, 26-year-old Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest against the police and triggered an uprising.

Here is a timeline of the events that have unfolded since:

The Spark of the Jasmine Revolution 
 
<img alt="Tarek el-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4c4333af-28ec-4695-9c8b-62680c840ea1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/afp.JPG" /> 
(AFP Photo) 
 
Tarek el-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi was a Tunisian street seller who set himself on fire on December 17, 2010, in Ben Arous, Tunisia, sparking the Tunisian Revolution and the Arab Spring movement against dictatorial regimes.

He set himself on fire in protest against the confiscation of his goods and the harassment and humiliation he was subjected to by a municipal official and her aides.&nbsp;

He died of his injuries on January 4, 2011.

The end of Ben Ali's rule 
 
<img alt="Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali and his wife Leila (AFP Photo)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1dbb3896-55c6-4da2-8545-b7d775fc2156" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ben.jpg" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
On January 14, ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali departs after weeks of rioting in which 338 people were killed, bringing an end to his 23-year reign.

In 2019, he died in exile.

He was the region's first leader to fall victim to the Arab Spring uprisings, which swept the region like wildfire.&nbsp;

Victory for Islamists

In October 2011, Tunisia's first free election saw the Islamist group Ennahdha win 89 of 217 seats in a new assembly.

It elected former opposition leader Moncef Marzouki as president in December.

Attacks, unrest

In April 2012, police clashed with thousands of jobless protesters in the southwestern mining belt.

More violent demonstrations followed in June and August, with jihadists also staging attacks.

A series of strikes and demonstrations impacted industry, public services, transport and business, with unrest mostly concentrated in the economically marginalised interior.

Opposition leaders killed 
 
<img alt="Chokri Belaid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11192721-0057-49d2-85bd-a27136aeca7c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Chokri%20Belaid.jpg" /> 
 
A file photo of Chokri Belaid. (AFP Photo)

In February 2013, prominent leftist opposition leader Chokri Belaid was assassinated in Tunis.&nbsp;

In July, fellow leftist Mohamed Brahmi was also shot dead.

Islamic State (IS) jihadists claimed both killings, which fueled a crisis.

2014 Tunisian parliamentary election

A new constitution was established in January 2014.

The Islamists were&nbsp;ousted from power, and a technocratic administration was&nbsp;formed.

The secular Nidaa Tounes party, led by Beji Caid Essebsi, won parliamentary elections in October and formed a coalition with Ennahdha.

Essebsi won Tunisia's first free presidential election two months later.

Terrorist attacks in Tunisia (2015-2016)

In 2015, IS extremists claimed responsibility for three assaults in Tunisia, killing 72 people, largely foreign tourists and security personnel, at the Bardo museum in Tunis and a beach resort. 
 
<img alt="Bardo museum" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2301e75-d679-4823-8c3e-1af2bac1dd57" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bardo%20museum%20attack.JPG" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
Jihadists attacked security installations in a town near the Libyan border in 2016, killing 20 people, seven of whom were civilians.

New protests and huge political unrest

After the death of a young unemployed man during a demonstration in January 2016, a fresh wave of protests began.

After the implementation of an austerity budget in January 2018, protests erupted.

Ennahdha won the most seats in the legislative elections in October 2019, but it fell far short of the 109 needed to govern. 
 
<img alt="political unrest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba2c0f9c-9afa-4e30-939a-cdc985ec5cec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9GB79Y.jpg" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
Kais Saied, a conservative scholar with no prior political experience, was elected president a week later.

MPs elected a technocratic government in September 2020.

Tunisia has had nine governments in the 10 years since the revolution, some of which only lasted a few months, obstructing the reforms needed to revive the country's ailing economy.&nbsp;

The Tunisian president suspends parliament, dismisses PM

On July 26, 2021, following a day of protests against the ruling party, Tunisian President Kais Saied ordered the suspension of the country's parliament and the dismissal of Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi.

Saied's activities are described by Ennahdha as a "coup d'etat against the revolution and the constitution."&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Tunisian president" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="625f1e68-cfe0-4bb7-a1c7-dfb8e4fc57fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9GC2ZP.jpg" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
Thousands of Tunisians had marched in numerous cities earlier in the day, condemning government failings and catastrophic coronavirus rates.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tunisia has been struck by a wave of riots and protests amid persistent political instability and a dismal economy, 10 years after the Arab Spring revolt for democracy.

Tunisia has been struck by a wave of riots and protests amid persistent political instability and a dismal economy, 10 years after the Arab Spring revolt for democracy. On 17 December 2010, 26-year-old Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest against the police and triggered an uprising. Here is a timeline of the events that have unfolded since: The Spark of the Jasmine Revolution (AFP Photo) Tarek el-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi was a Tunisian street seller who set himself on fire on December 17, 2010, in Ben Arous, Tunisia, sparking the Tunisian Revolution and the Arab Spring movement against dictatorial regimes. He set himself on fire in protest against the confiscation of his goods and the harassment and humiliation he was subjected to by a municipal official and her aides. He died of his injuries on January 4, 2011. The end of Ben Ali's rule (AFP Photo) On January 14, ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali departs after weeks of rioting in which 338 people were killed, bringing an end to his 23-year reign. In 2019, he died in exile. He was the region's first leader to fall victim to the Arab Spring uprisings, which swept the region like wildfire. Victory for Islamists In October 2011, Tunisia's first free election saw the Islamist group Ennahdha win 89 of 217 seats in a new assembly. It elected former opposition leader Moncef Marzouki as president in December. Attacks, unrest In April 2012, police clashed with thousands of jobless protesters in the southwestern mining belt. More violent demonstrations followed in June and August, with jihadists also staging attacks. A series of strikes and demonstrations impacted industry, public services, transport and business, with unrest mostly concentrated in the economically marginalised interior. Opposition leaders killed A file photo of Chokri Belaid. (AFP Photo) In February 2013, prominent leftist opposition leader Chokri Belaid was assassinated in Tunis. In July, fellow leftist Mohamed Brahmi was also shot dead. Islamic State (IS) jihadists claimed both killings, which fueled a crisis. 2014 Tunisian parliamentary election A new constitution was established in January 2014. The Islamists were ousted from power, and a technocratic administration was formed. The secular Nidaa Tounes party, led by Beji Caid Essebsi, won parliamentary elections in October and formed a coalition with Ennahdha. Essebsi won Tunisia's first free presidential election two months later. Terrorist attacks in Tunisia (2015-2016) In 2015, IS extremists claimed responsibility for three assaults in Tunisia, killing 72 people, largely foreign tourists and security personnel, at the Bardo museum in Tunis and a beach resort. (AFP Photo) Jihadists attacked security installations in a town near the Libyan border in 2016, killing 20 people, seven of whom were civilians. New protests and huge political unrest After the death of a young unemployed man during a demonstration in January 2016, a fresh wave of protests began. After the implementation of an austerity budget in January 2018, protests erupted. Ennahdha won the most seats in the legislative elections in October 2019, but it fell far short of the 109 needed to govern. (AFP Photo) Kais Saied, a conservative scholar with no prior political experience, was elected president a week later. MPs elected a technocratic government in September 2020. Tunisia has had nine governments in the 10 years since the revolution, some of which only lasted a few months, obstructing the reforms needed to revive the country's ailing economy. The Tunisian president suspends parliament, dismisses PM On July 26, 2021, following a day of protests against the ruling party, Tunisian President Kais Saied ordered the suspension of the country's parliament and the dismissal of Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi. Saied's activities are described by Ennahdha as a "coup d'etat against the revolution and the constitution." (AFP Photo) Thousands of Tunisians had marched in numerous cities earlier in the day, condemning government failings and catastrophic coronavirus rates. (With inputs from agencies)

Pictures | From Jasmine Revolution to Parliament suspension: 10 years of Tunisia since its Arab Spring revolt

Libyan authorities stepped up their vaccination campaign around Tripoli as coronavirus cases rose across the country. Libyan health ministry has set up temporary centres in capital. AFP reported that there were long queues outside the tents on Saturday morning.

"The campaign will continue until all the available doses are used," doctor Rawad Behelille told AFP in central Tripoli.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah issued a decree earlier this month for cafes and restaurants to close in the wake of rising infections. He also suspended university lectures and weddings.

Daily reported cases have reached several thousand in the past week, in a country with a population of around seven million.

Libya has recorded over 229,600 coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, including over 3,340 deaths. 
Fewer than 500,000 people have been vaccinated since the war-torn country's inoculation campaign started in April.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Libyan authorities stepped up their vaccination campaign around Tripoli as coronavirus cases rose across the country. Libyan health ministry has set up temporary centres in capital.

Libyan authorities stepped up their vaccination campaign around Tripoli as coronavirus cases rose across the country. Libyan health ministry has set up temporary centres in capital. AFP reported that there were long queues outside the tents on Saturday morning. "The campaign will continue until all the available doses are used," doctor Rawad Behelille told AFP in central Tripoli. Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah issued a decree earlier this month for cafes and restaurants to close in the wake of rising infections. He also suspended university lectures and weddings. Daily reported cases have reached several thousand in the past week, in a country with a population of around seven million. Libya has recorded over 229,600 coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, including over 3,340 deaths. Fewer than 500,000 people have been vaccinated since the war-torn country's inoculation campaign started in April. (With inputs from agencies)

Libya hastens Tripoli jab drive amid increasing Covid caseload

Libya's unity government Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said on Friday, he was unaware of any understanding between Russia and Turkey on a withdrawal of their foreign fighters, but that such a move would be welcomed. 
 
Speaking to Reuters in New York, Dbeibah also said he was committed to holding elections on December&nbsp;24, but warned that some lawmakers may be reluctant to give up power. Dbeibah, a businessman appointed interim prime minister in February, said he has not yet decided whether to run for office. 
 
Libya has had little stability since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, then head of state. A UN-led peace process brought a ceasefire last summer, after fighting between rival factions paused, and then a unity government. 
 
Following a UN-backed conference in Berlin last month, German and US&nbsp;officials said Turkey and Russia, which back opposing sides in Libya, reached an initial understanding on a step-by-step withdrawal of their foreign fighters. 
 
"I have not heard of this agreement regarding the withdrawal of fighters. But we welcome any agreement ... and we welcome the exit of any forces, fighters or mercenaries with any support from any party," Dbeibah said. "We are talking with all parties regarding the withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya." 
 
UN&nbsp;sanctions monitors have reported that thousands of Syrians had been fighting in Libya either alongside unity government troops, who were also advised by Turkish troops, or with Russia's Wagner group in support of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA). 
 
Under the ceasefire reached last October, all foreign fighters were supposed to have left Libya by January. 
 
Russia's deputy UN&nbsp;Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy told the Security Council on Thursday that Moscow supported a "step-by-step phased withdrawal of all foreign forces and contingents." 
 
"At the same time, we need to make sure that the current balance of forces on the ground not be disrupted, because it is thanks to this balance that the situation in Libya remains calm and no threats of armed escalation emerge," Polyanskiy added. 
 
Addressing the Security Council, Dbeibah said the continued presence of foreign fighters poses "a real and serious risk to the current political process and it also threatens the efforts to continue the ceasefire" and to uniting the army in Libya. 
 
Dbeibah told Reuters it would be "very difficult" to unify Libya's military. UN&nbsp;special envoy for Libya, Jan Kubis, said on Thursday that the LNA has not allowed Dbeibah`s unity government to take control of the area it commands. 
 
"Of course, communicating with Haftar, he is a difficult military person, but we communicate with him. But things are not easy," Dbeibah said during an interview at Libya's UN&nbsp;mission.

Libya's unity government Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said on Friday, he was unaware of any understanding between Russia and Turkey on a withdrawal of their foreign fighters, but that such a move would be welcomed.

Libya's unity government Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said on Friday, he was unaware of any understanding between Russia and Turkey on a withdrawal of their foreign fighters, but that such a move would be welcomed. Speaking to Reuters in New York, Dbeibah also said he was committed to holding elections on December 24, but warned that some lawmakers may be reluctant to give up power. Dbeibah, a businessman appointed interim prime minister in February, said he has not yet decided whether to run for office. Libya has had little stability since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, then head of state. A UN-led peace process brought a ceasefire last summer, after fighting between rival factions paused, and then a unity government. Following a UN-backed conference in Berlin last month, German and US officials said Turkey and Russia, which back opposing sides in Libya, reached an initial understanding on a step-by-step withdrawal of their foreign fighters. "I have not heard of this agreement regarding the withdrawal of fighters. But we welcome any agreement ... and we welcome the exit of any forces, fighters or mercenaries with any support from any party," Dbeibah said. "We are talking with all parties regarding the withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya." UN sanctions monitors have reported that thousands of Syrians had been fighting in Libya either alongside unity government troops, who were also advised by Turkish troops, or with Russia's Wagner group in support of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA). Under the ceasefire reached last October, all foreign fighters were supposed to have left Libya by January. Russia's deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy told the Security Council on Thursday that Moscow supported a "step-by-step phased withdrawal of all foreign forces and contingents." "At the same time, we need to make sure that the current balance of forces on the ground not be disrupted, because it is thanks to this balance that the situation in Libya remains calm and no threats of armed escalation emerge," Polyanskiy added. Addressing the Security Council, Dbeibah said the continued presence of foreign fighters poses "a real and serious risk to the current political process and it also threatens the efforts to continue the ceasefire" and to uniting the army in Libya. Dbeibah told Reuters it would be "very difficult" to unify Libya's military. UN special envoy for Libya, Jan Kubis, said on Thursday that the LNA has not allowed Dbeibah`s unity government to take control of the area it commands. "Of course, communicating with Haftar, he is a difficult military person, but we communicate with him. But things are not easy," Dbeibah said during an interview at Libya's UN mission.

Libya PM unaware of Russia, Turkey deal on foreign fighters

After years of war in Libya, Tunisian traders celebrated the reopening of the border with their oil-rich North African neighbour as a positive sign they hoped would stimulate economic growth.

In the hardscrabble Tunisian coastal town of Ben Guerdane, some 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Libya's frontier, merchant Jaafar Ben Ali said it was a big relief.

"Now that the war (in Libya) is over, and that the borders are open, it is much easier," said Ben Ali, who crosses to Libya to buy Turkish-made blankets. "I do a round-trip in a day."

Tunisia's economy has lurched from crisis to crisis since the country's 2011 revolution, most recently due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures.

But it was also hit by the impact of war next door in Libya, where a decade of conflict raged ever since the 2011 uprising that killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

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One United Nations study estimated the&nbsp;Libyan crisis was "responsible for 24 per cent of the deceleration of economic growth" in Tunisia from 2011-2015.

That was equivalent to a loss of $880 million per year, or two per cent of Tunisia's GDP, the UN said.

Smugglers

The town of Ben Guerdane, in Tunisia's under-developed and impoverished southeastern region, felt the impact harder than most.

For years, Tunisian authorities had turned a blind eye to smuggling, partly because of the dire economic situation in the border region.

But in 2016, after a jihadist attack claimed by a Libyan branch of the Islamic State group, Tunisia imposed stricter controls, sparking protests.

In 2018, Libyan authorities closed the border for more than six weeks to rein in the smuggling of fuel and other items, again triggering demonstrations in Ben Guerdane.

In 2019, trade took another blow, when fighting in Libya raged close to the border.&nbsp;

Then, just as violence in Libya subsided last year, the border was shut for eight months to stem the spread of Covid-19.

The consequences were "catastrophic", Ben Guerdane mayor Faathi Aaboud said, adding that the town's "revenues in 2020 were cut in half".

Now Tunisian traders now are hoping for better times ahead.

In March, a new Libyan unity government was sworn in, and in June, Libya's coastal road -- linking Tunisia in the west to Egypt in the east -- reopened after two years of being closed due to fighting.

Colourful blankets and shimmering curtains made in Turkey are back on sale in the markets of Ben Guerdane, alongside household appliances and tyres from China or South Korea.

'Right path'

In May, Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi visited the Libyan capital seeking to boost economic cooperation.

TunisAir became the first foreign carrier to resume flights to Libya since the 2011 conflict, with talks ongoing to establish a sea ferry.

"We are moving on the right path," said Anis Jaziri, a prominent Tunisian entrepreneur who heads the Tunisia Africa Business Council.

"But we hope that the situation in Libya will remain stable."

However, Tunisian economist Ezzedine Saidane warned&nbsp;a political crisis in Tunis could undermine the country's trade efforts.

Authorities, he said, "don't have a Libya strategy".

The challenges are not over, as Libya has once again closed its border for two weeks following a surge of coronavirus cases in Tunisia.

After years of war in Libya, Tunisian traders celebrated the reopening of the border with their oil-rich North African neighbour as a positive sign they hoped would stimulate economic growth.

After years of war in Libya, Tunisian traders celebrated the reopening of the border with their oil-rich North African neighbour as a positive sign they hoped would stimulate economic growth. In the hardscrabble Tunisian coastal town of Ben Guerdane, some 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Libya's frontier, merchant Jaafar Ben Ali said it was a big relief. "Now that the war (in Libya) is over, and that the borders are open, it is much easier," said Ben Ali, who crosses to Libya to buy Turkish-made blankets. "I do a round-trip in a day." Tunisia's economy has lurched from crisis to crisis since the country's 2011 revolution, most recently due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures. But it was also hit by the impact of war next door in Libya, where a decade of conflict raged ever since the 2011 uprising that killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Also read | Joe Biden orders investigation into ransomware attack that targetted 1,000 businesses One United Nations study estimated the Libyan crisis was "responsible for 24 per cent of the deceleration of economic growth" in Tunisia from 2011-2015. That was equivalent to a loss of $880 million per year, or two per cent of Tunisia's GDP, the UN said. Smugglers The town of Ben Guerdane, in Tunisia's under-developed and impoverished southeastern region, felt the impact harder than most. For years, Tunisian authorities had turned a blind eye to smuggling, partly because of the dire economic situation in the border region. But in 2016, after a jihadist attack claimed by a Libyan branch of the Islamic State group, Tunisia imposed stricter controls, sparking protests. In 2018, Libyan authorities closed the border for more than six weeks to rein in the smuggling of fuel and other items, again triggering demonstrations in Ben Guerdane. In 2019, trade took another blow, when fighting in Libya raged close to the border. Then, just as violence in Libya subsided last year, the border was shut for eight months to stem the spread of Covid-19. The consequences were "catastrophic", Ben Guerdane mayor Faathi Aaboud said, adding that the town's "revenues in 2020 were cut in half". Now Tunisian traders now are hoping for better times ahead. In March, a new Libyan unity government was sworn in, and in June, Libya's coastal road -- linking Tunisia in the west to Egypt in the east -- reopened after two years of being closed due to fighting. Colourful blankets and shimmering curtains made in Turkey are back on sale in the markets of Ben Guerdane, alongside household appliances and tyres from China or South Korea. 'Right path' In May, Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi visited the Libyan capital seeking to boost economic cooperation. TunisAir became the first foreign carrier to resume flights to Libya since the 2011 conflict, with talks ongoing to establish a sea ferry. "We are moving on the right path," said Anis Jaziri, a prominent Tunisian entrepreneur who heads the Tunisia Africa Business Council. "But we hope that the situation in Libya will remain stable." However, Tunisian economist Ezzedine Saidane warned a political crisis in Tunis could undermine the country's trade efforts. Authorities, he said, "don't have a Libya strategy". The challenges are not over, as Libya has once again closed its border for two weeks following a surge of coronavirus cases in Tunisia.

Tunisia hopes Libya stability could bring economic relief

The United States is in talks with some of the key actors in Libya over the withdrawal of foreign forces ahead of elections planned for December, Washington's top Libya envoy said on Monday. 
 
Special Envoy for Libya Richard Norland told reporters that part of the importance of Libya's elections was so a fully empowered, credible and legitimate government could push foreign actors to pull out their troops. 
 
"That will be a very important development and ... very impactful, but we're not suggesting that we have to wait until next year to try to make some progress," Norland said ahead of US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken's travel to the Second Berlin Conference on Libya this week. 
 
"There are negotiations underway with some of the key actors aimed at trying to remove some of the mercenaries, the foreign fighters," Norland added. 
 
Libya has suffered a decade of chaos and violence since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising ousted the then head of state Muammar Gaddafi, but its two main warring sides this year consented to a new government. 
 
But while the installation of a unified administration and a push for national elections in December are seen as the best hope in years for a lasting political solution, the process is still fraught with challenges. 
 
Most territory is still controlled by local armed groups, major outside powers have not pulled foreign fighters from the front lines, and key figures disagree on the management of Libya's economic resources. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States is in talks with some of the key actors in Libya over the withdrawal of foreign forces ahead of elections planned for December, Washington's top Libya envoy said on Monday.

The United States is in talks with some of the key actors in Libya over the withdrawal of foreign forces ahead of elections planned for December, Washington's top Libya envoy said on Monday. Special Envoy for Libya Richard Norland told reporters that part of the importance of Libya's elections was so a fully empowered, credible and legitimate government could push foreign actors to pull out their troops. "That will be a very important development and ... very impactful, but we're not suggesting that we have to wait until next year to try to make some progress," Norland said ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's travel to the Second Berlin Conference on Libya this week. "There are negotiations underway with some of the key actors aimed at trying to remove some of the mercenaries, the foreign fighters," Norland added. Libya has suffered a decade of chaos and violence since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising ousted the then head of state Muammar Gaddafi, but its two main warring sides this year consented to a new government. But while the installation of a unified administration and a push for national elections in December are seen as the best hope in years for a lasting political solution, the process is still fraught with challenges. Most territory is still controlled by local armed groups, major outside powers have not pulled foreign fighters from the front lines, and key figures disagree on the management of Libya's economic resources. (With inputs from agencies)

Washington in talks over removal of foreign fighters from Libya: US envoy

Forces loyal to Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar have closed the border with Algeria, they said on Sunday, after major deployments of his forces to the south underscored his continued role despite efforts to unify the country. 
 
Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) last week sent troops into the southern city of Sebha, which was already allied to eastern forces, and then on Saturday to a southern border crossing with Algeria. 
 
"The armed forces has closed the Libyan-Algerian border and declared it a military zone in which movement is prohibited,"&nbsp;said the Moral Guidance Department, an LNA media unit. 
 
The nearly 1,000-kilometre (620 miles) border between Algeria and Libya cuts through mostly uninhabited desert and has few crossings. 
 
Haftar was put onto the back foot last year after the collapse of his 14-month offensive against Tripoli, while a new unity government backed by a UN-facilitated peace process has called into question his political position. 
 
However, despite progress towards a political solution for Libya after a decade of violence and chaos, most of the country is still controlled by armed groups, corruption is rampant and the outside powers involved in the conflict have not withdrawn. 
 
Progress is expected on Sunday in implementing the terms of a military ceasefire in place since September, with the planned reopening of the main coast road across front lines, and foreign powers will convene in Berlin this week for Libya talks.

Forces loyal to Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar have closed the border with Algeria, they said on Sunday, after major deployments of his forces to the south underscored his continued role despite efforts to unify the country.

Forces loyal to Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar have closed the border with Algeria, they said on Sunday, after major deployments of his forces to the south underscored his continued role despite efforts to unify the country. Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) last week sent troops into the southern city of Sebha, which was already allied to eastern forces, and then on Saturday to a southern border crossing with Algeria. "The armed forces has closed the Libyan-Algerian border and declared it a military zone in which movement is prohibited," said the Moral Guidance Department, an LNA media unit. The nearly 1,000-kilometre (620 miles) border between Algeria and Libya cuts through mostly uninhabited desert and has few crossings. Haftar was put onto the back foot last year after the collapse of his 14-month offensive against Tripoli, while a new unity government backed by a UN-facilitated peace process has called into question his political position. However, despite progress towards a political solution for Libya after a decade of violence and chaos, most of the country is still controlled by armed groups, corruption is rampant and the outside powers involved in the conflict have not withdrawn. Progress is expected on Sunday in implementing the terms of a military ceasefire in place since September, with the planned reopening of the main coast road across front lines, and foreign powers will convene in Berlin this week for Libya talks.

Libya's Haftar closes border with Algeria

US President Joe Biden on Monday (Indian time) appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at news conference after G7 summit in the UK. He appeared to make the mistake twice.

He was describing how the US and Russia can work together for the welfare of people of Libya (instead of Syria). In Syria, both US and Russia are involved in a decade-long civil conflict.

The 78-year-old gaffe-prone Biden was attending his first G7 summit as a US president.

Biden will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Geneva on Wednesday (June 16).

During his participation in the G7 Summit, Biden kept the heat up on Russia and China who he said were throwing up 'new challenges'

"I think that there is a growing recognition over the last couple of years that we have new challenges," Biden told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at bilateral talks ahead of the main summit.

"We have Russia that is not acting in a way that is consistent with what we had hoped, as well as China," he said.

"I want to make it clear: NATO is critically important for US interests in and of itself. If there weren't one, we'd have to invent it," he said.

NATO trained its guns on China and Russia as well.&nbsp;

"Until Russia demonstrates compliance with international law and its international obligations and responsibilities, there can be no return to 'business as usual'," the summit's final statement said.

"China's stated ambitions and assertive behaviour present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to Alliance security," a summit statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Monday (Indian time) appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at news conference after G7 summit in the UK. He appeared to make the mistake twice.

US President Joe Biden on Monday (Indian time) appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at news conference after G7 summit in the UK. He appeared to make the mistake twice. He was describing how the US and Russia can work together for the welfare of people of Libya (instead of Syria). In Syria, both US and Russia are involved in a decade-long civil conflict. The 78-year-old gaffe-prone Biden was attending his first G7 summit as a US president. Biden will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Geneva on Wednesday (June 16). During his participation in the G7 Summit, Biden kept the heat up on Russia and China who he said were throwing up 'new challenges' "I think that there is a growing recognition over the last couple of years that we have new challenges," Biden told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at bilateral talks ahead of the main summit. "We have Russia that is not acting in a way that is consistent with what we had hoped, as well as China," he said. "I want to make it clear: NATO is critically important for US interests in and of itself. If there weren't one, we'd have to invent it," he said. NATO trained its guns on China and Russia as well. "Until Russia demonstrates compliance with international law and its international obligations and responsibilities, there can be no return to 'business as usual'," the summit's final statement said. "China's stated ambitions and assertive behaviour present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to Alliance security," a summit statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden mixes up Syria and Libya at G7 news conference

The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for a deadly car bomb attack that took place in Libya on Sunday and killed two security officers.

In a statement issued by IS'&nbsp;arm, Amaq, the group claimed it targeted a checkpoint of the "militia of the tyrant Haftar" through a suicide bomber.

Although the official figures state two security officers were killed and five people were seriously injured, the IS claims it killed four people in the car bomb attack.

The statement from Amaq referenced to Libya's strongman Khalifa Haftar.

This attack had taken place in a southern city of Libya, Sebha, which is located nearly 750 kilometres south of the capital city of Tipoli.

Meanwhile, Libya's Interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah labelled this as a "cowardly terrorist act" and extended sympathies to the victims' families.

He also assured that the government will keep fighting against such terrorist organisations. "Our war against terrorism continues," Dbeibah said on Twitter.

The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for a deadly car bomb attack that took place in Libya on Sunday and killed two security officers. In a statement issued by IS' arm, Amaq, the group claimed it targeted a checkpoint of the "militia of the tyrant Haftar" through a suicide bomber.

The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for a deadly car bomb attack that took place in Libya on Sunday and killed two security officers. In a statement issued by IS' arm, Amaq, the group claimed it targeted a checkpoint of the "militia of the tyrant Haftar" through a suicide bomber. Although the official figures state two security officers were killed and five people were seriously injured, the IS claims it killed four people in the car bomb attack. The statement from Amaq referenced to Libya's strongman Khalifa Haftar. This attack had taken place in a southern city of Libya, Sebha, which is located nearly 750 kilometres south of the capital city of Tipoli. Meanwhile, Libya's Interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah labelled this as a "cowardly terrorist act" and extended sympathies to the victims' families. He also assured that the government will keep fighting against such terrorist organisations. "Our war against terrorism continues," Dbeibah said on Twitter.

Libya: Islamic State claims responsibility for deadly car bomb attack

United Nations envoy for Libya, Jan Kubis on Friday told Security Council that progress on issues such as the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries and reopening the road connecting the country's east with its west had "stalled". Kubis was speaking to the Council via video. He warned that the delays could undermine a ceasefire agreement between the country's warring sides.&nbsp;

"Progress on key issues such as the reopening of the coastal road between Sirte and Misrata and the start of the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries, fighters and foreign forces has stalled," he said.

"Further delays in reopening the road work against efforts to build trust between the two sides and could undermine efforts to advance the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, to advance the political transition," he said.

US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield also criticized the lack of political progress.&nbsp;

"It's time for the Libyan leadership to clarify the constitutional basis for the election (planned for December 24), pass the required legislation and ensure elections are not delayed," she said, calling for progress before July 1.

Kubis also said the continued presence of foreign fighters and armed groups "is a significant threat not just to Libya security, but to the region as a whole."

He said it was "critical" to ensure "an orderly departure" and disarm them.&nbsp;

Thomas-Greenfield agreed, saying that "external actors involved in the conflict must cease their military interference and begin to withdraw from Libya immediately."

"There is no room for interpretation here. All means all," she continued.&nbsp;

According to the UN, more than 20,000 foreign mercenaries and military personnel are still in Libya. They include Turkish, Russian, Sudanese and Chadian mercenaries.

Unlike the Russian mercenaries who supported the authorities in the east of the country, Turkey says its troops sent to Tripoli were sent under a bilateral agreement with the government, implying that they are not affected by a request for foreign troops to leave.&nbsp;

The fear that armed groups will leave Libya to deploy in the region was again raised by several Security Council members, who recalled the recent destabilization in Chad that led to the death of its president Idriss Deby.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

United Nations envoy for Libya, Jan Kubis on Friday told Security Council that progress on issues such as the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries and reopening the road connecting the country's east with its west had "stalled".

United Nations envoy for Libya, Jan Kubis on Friday told Security Council that progress on issues such as the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries and reopening the road connecting the country's east with its west had "stalled". Kubis was speaking to the Council via video. He warned that the delays could undermine a ceasefire agreement between the country's warring sides. "Progress on key issues such as the reopening of the coastal road between Sirte and Misrata and the start of the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries, fighters and foreign forces has stalled," he said. "Further delays in reopening the road work against efforts to build trust between the two sides and could undermine efforts to advance the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, to advance the political transition," he said. US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield also criticized the lack of political progress. "It's time for the Libyan leadership to clarify the constitutional basis for the election (planned for December 24), pass the required legislation and ensure elections are not delayed," she said, calling for progress before July 1. Kubis also said the continued presence of foreign fighters and armed groups "is a significant threat not just to Libya security, but to the region as a whole." He said it was "critical" to ensure "an orderly departure" and disarm them. Thomas-Greenfield agreed, saying that "external actors involved in the conflict must cease their military interference and begin to withdraw from Libya immediately." "There is no room for interpretation here. All means all," she continued. According to the UN, more than 20,000 foreign mercenaries and military personnel are still in Libya. They include Turkish, Russian, Sudanese and Chadian mercenaries. Unlike the Russian mercenaries who supported the authorities in the east of the country, Turkey says its troops sent to Tripoli were sent under a bilateral agreement with the government, implying that they are not affected by a request for foreign troops to leave. The fear that armed groups will leave Libya to deploy in the region was again raised by several Security Council members, who recalled the recent destabilization in Chad that led to the death of its president Idriss Deby. (With inputs from agencies)

Progress in Libya 'stalled', says UN

More than&nbsp;600&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;hoping to reach Europe from&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;have been stopped since Friday, the&nbsp;navy&nbsp;said, as the International Organization for Migration warned&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;was "not a safe port".

Three groups of illegal&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;were intercepted at sea on Friday and Saturday by&nbsp;Libya's coastguard and units in charge of securing ports, the&nbsp;navy&nbsp;said in a statement, released overnight Saturday to Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-boat-with-130-aboard-capsizes-off-libya-ngo-379556">Migrant boat with 130 aboard capsizes off Libya: NGO</a>

It said the 638 people were mostly citizens from sub-Saharan African nations trying to reach Europe, and they were brought to a naval base in the capital Tripoli ahead of handing them&nbsp;over&nbsp;to an anti-immigration squad run by the interior ministry.

The&nbsp;navy&nbsp;said a first group of 334&nbsp;migrants, who were on board four inflatable boats, were "rescued" on Friday.&nbsp;

Two other groups, of 132 and 172 people, were assisted separately on Friday and Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-mediterranean-migrants-tragedy-a-time-for-shame-pope-380150">Latest Mediterranean migrants tragedy a time for shame: Pope</a>

The&nbsp;navy&nbsp;did not say if the boats were sinking or had technical problems.

International agencies have repeatedly denounced the return to&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;of&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;intercepted at sea, due to the chaotic situation in the country and poor conditions in detention centres.

The IOM repeated its concerns late Saturday.

"Today, 172&nbsp;migrants, including women and children, were&nbsp;returned&nbsp;to&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;by the coast guard," it said.

"Our teams provided emergency assistance to more than&nbsp;600&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;intercepted&nbsp;over&nbsp;the past 48 hours, it added.

"We reiterate that&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;is not a safe port".

Libya&nbsp;is a major route for&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean, and traffickers have thrived in the lawlessness that followed the 2011 overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

More than 600 migrants hoping to reach Europe from Libya have been stopped since Friday, the navy said, as the International Organization for Migration warned Libya was "not a safe port".

More than 600 migrants hoping to reach Europe from Libya have been stopped since Friday, the navy said, as the International Organization for Migration warned Libya was "not a safe port". Three groups of illegal migrants were intercepted at sea on Friday and Saturday by Libya's coastguard and units in charge of securing ports, the navy said in a statement, released overnight Saturday to Sunday. Also read | Migrant boat with 130 aboard capsizes off Libya: NGO It said the 638 people were mostly citizens from sub-Saharan African nations trying to reach Europe, and they were brought to a naval base in the capital Tripoli ahead of handing them over to an anti-immigration squad run by the interior ministry. The navy said a first group of 334 migrants, who were on board four inflatable boats, were "rescued" on Friday. Two other groups, of 132 and 172 people, were assisted separately on Friday and Saturday. Also read | Latest Mediterranean migrants tragedy a time for shame: Pope The navy did not say if the boats were sinking or had technical problems. International agencies have repeatedly denounced the return to Libya of migrants intercepted at sea, due to the chaotic situation in the country and poor conditions in detention centres. The IOM repeated its concerns late Saturday. "Today, 172 migrants, including women and children, were returned to Libya by the coast guard," it said. "Our teams provided emergency assistance to more than 600 migrants intercepted over the past 48 hours, it added. "We reiterate that Libya is not a safe port". Libya is a major route for migrants trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean, and traffickers have thrived in the lawlessness that followed the 2011 overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Over 600 Europe-bound migrants returned to Libya: Navy

The Libyan government postponed the prime minister's first visit to the east of the country late on Sunday, hours after an advance security team was turned back from Benghazi airport, a source told AFP.&nbsp;

A cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday in the city would also have marked national unity government leader Abdulhamid Dbeibah's first trip to Libya's east, a bastion of military strongman Khalifa Hafter. &nbsp;

But on Sunday a spokesperson said preparations were underway to arrange another date, without giving a reason for the postponement.&nbsp;

The announcement came several hours after a government security team was turned away by local authorities at Benghazi airport, forcing them to get back on their plane and return to the capital Tripoli, a local security source told AFP. &nbsp;

Dbeibah was selected earlier this year through an UN-backed inter-Libyan dialogue to lead the country to national elections in December 2021.&nbsp;

Libya has been mired in chaos since dictator Moamer Kadhafi was deposed and killed in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising.&nbsp;

Dbeibah's government replaced two rival administrations based in Tripoli and the country's east, the latter loyal to Hafter, whose forces tried but failed to seize the capital in a 2019-20 offensive.&nbsp;

The rival authorities have given their backing to the new administration, adding to tentative hopes that Libya can exit a decade of crisis.&nbsp;

Dbeibah had previously announced his intention to hold cabinet meetings in different cities across the country, most notably in Benghazi, Libya's second city and one of Hafter's strongholds. &nbsp;

The Libyan government postponed the prime minister's first visit to the east of the country late on Sunday, hours after an advance security team was turned back from Benghazi airport, a source told AFP.

The Libyan government postponed the prime minister's first visit to the east of the country late on Sunday, hours after an advance security team was turned back from Benghazi airport, a source told AFP. A cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday in the city would also have marked national unity government leader Abdulhamid Dbeibah's first trip to Libya's east, a bastion of military strongman Khalifa Hafter. But on Sunday a spokesperson said preparations were underway to arrange another date, without giving a reason for the postponement. The announcement came several hours after a government security team was turned away by local authorities at Benghazi airport, forcing them to get back on their plane and return to the capital Tripoli, a local security source told AFP. Dbeibah was selected earlier this year through an UN-backed inter-Libyan dialogue to lead the country to national elections in December 2021. Libya has been mired in chaos since dictator Moamer Kadhafi was deposed and killed in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising. Dbeibah's government replaced two rival administrations based in Tripoli and the country's east, the latter loyal to Hafter, whose forces tried but failed to seize the capital in a 2019-20 offensive. The rival authorities have given their backing to the new administration, adding to tentative hopes that Libya can exit a decade of crisis. Dbeibah had previously announced his intention to hold cabinet meetings in different cities across the country, most notably in Benghazi, Libya's second city and one of Hafter's strongholds.

Libya PM trip to country's east postponed after security team turned back 

Ten bodies were spotted near a capsized rubber &nbsp;boat&nbsp;off&nbsp;the coast of&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;on Thursday, which had around&nbsp;130&nbsp;people&nbsp;aboard, a rescue charity said.

European humanitarian group SOS Mediterranee said it was alerted on Tuesday, by the volunteer-run Mediterranean rescue hotline Alarm Phone, to the presence of three boats in distress in international waters&nbsp;off&nbsp;Libya.

The&nbsp;NGO's Ocean Viking ship, as well as merchant vessels, headed to the area in difficult conditions, with up to six-metre waves.

"Since we arrived on scene today, we have not found any survivors while we could see at least ten bodies in the vicinity of the wreck. We are heartbroken," said Luisa Albera, search and rescue coordinator&nbsp;aboard&nbsp;Ocean Viking.

On Wednesday, the Ocean Viking spent all day searching for a wooden&nbsp;boat&nbsp;in distress, with no success. The fate of the 40 people onboard remains unknown.

&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Over 1,500 migrants ‘rescued’ off Libya coast in week">Over 1,500 migrants ‘rescued’ off Libya coast in week</a>

"There is no hope of finding any survivors," French journalist Emmanuelle Chaze told AFP by phone from onboard the rescue ship, adding that "many bodies" had been spotted.

Last week the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that at least 41 people, including a child, died after a&nbsp;boat&nbsp;carrying African migrants to Europe sank&nbsp;off&nbsp;Tunisia.

Over 450 migrants have perished in the Mediterranean so far this year, according to the IOM, most attempting to reach Europe from Tunisia or&nbsp;Libya.

Ten bodies were spotted near a capsized rubber boat off the coast of Libya on Thursday, which had around 130 people aboard, a rescue charity said. European humanitarian group SOS Mediterranee said it was alerted on Tuesday, by the volunteer-run Mediterranean rescue hotline Alarm Phone, to the presence of three boats in distress in international waters off Libya.

Ten bodies were spotted near a capsized rubber boat off the coast of Libya on Thursday, which had around 130 people aboard, a rescue charity said. European humanitarian group SOS Mediterranee said it was alerted on Tuesday, by the volunteer-run Mediterranean rescue hotline Alarm Phone, to the presence of three boats in distress in international waters off Libya. The NGO's Ocean Viking ship, as well as merchant vessels, headed to the area in difficult conditions, with up to six-metre waves. "Since we arrived on scene today, we have not found any survivors while we could see at least ten bodies in the vicinity of the wreck. We are heartbroken," said Luisa Albera, search and rescue coordinator aboard Ocean Viking. On Wednesday, the Ocean Viking spent all day searching for a wooden boat in distress, with no success. The fate of the 40 people onboard remains unknown. Also read: Over 1,500 migrants ‘rescued’ off Libya coast in week "There is no hope of finding any survivors," French journalist Emmanuelle Chaze told AFP by phone from onboard the rescue ship, adding that "many bodies" had been spotted. Last week the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that at least 41 people, including a child, died after a boat carrying African migrants to Europe sank off Tunisia. Over 450 migrants have perished in the Mediterranean so far this year, according to the IOM, most attempting to reach Europe from Tunisia or Libya.

Migrant boat with 130 aboard capsizes off Libya: NGO

International monitors will watch over a nearly six-month-old ceasefire agreement in Libya, the UN Security Council decided in a vote announced on Friday, as the country heads towards December elections after a decade of fighting and upheaval.&nbsp;

The council agreed unanimously to follow through on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' recent proposal for up to 60 monitors to join an existing political mission in Libya.&nbsp;

The monitors would arrive in an ‘incremental deployment ... Once conditions allow’, according to the council's British-drafted resolution. The measure also urges all foreign forces and mercenaries to get out of the country, as was supposed to happen months ago.&nbsp;

"We now expect all UN Members to act on that, helping Libya to regain its sovereignty and work towards lasting peace and stability," Britain's minister for the Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly, said in a statement from London.&nbsp;

He heralded the resolution as sending 'a clear signal of support' for Libya's transitional government, which took power last month and is expected to lead the country to the elections, planned for December 24.&nbsp;

Libya's UN Mission didn't immediately comment on the resolution. The country didn't get to vote on them, as it isn't a member of the 15-nation council. Voting was conducted by email, due to the coronavirus pandemic; the results were announced at a brief virtual meeting.&nbsp;

Libya has been wracked by chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 and split the oil-rich North African country between a UN-supported government in the capital, Tripoli, and rival authorities based in the country's east.&nbsp;

Each side was backed by armed groups and foreign governments. The UN Estimated in December there were at least 20,000 foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya, including Syrians, Russians, Sudanese and Chadians.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

International monitors will watch over a nearly six-month-old ceasefire agreement in Libya, the UN Security Council decided in a vote announced on Friday, as the country heads towards December elections after a decade of fighting and upheaval.

International monitors will watch over a nearly six-month-old ceasefire agreement in Libya, the UN Security Council decided in a vote announced on Friday, as the country heads towards December elections after a decade of fighting and upheaval. The council agreed unanimously to follow through on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' recent proposal for up to 60 monitors to join an existing political mission in Libya. The monitors would arrive in an ‘incremental deployment ... Once conditions allow’, according to the council's British-drafted resolution. The measure also urges all foreign forces and mercenaries to get out of the country, as was supposed to happen months ago. "We now expect all UN Members to act on that, helping Libya to regain its sovereignty and work towards lasting peace and stability," Britain's minister for the Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly, said in a statement from London. He heralded the resolution as sending 'a clear signal of support' for Libya's transitional government, which took power last month and is expected to lead the country to the elections, planned for December 24. Libya's UN Mission didn't immediately comment on the resolution. The country didn't get to vote on them, as it isn't a member of the 15-nation council. Voting was conducted by email, due to the coronavirus pandemic; the results were announced at a brief virtual meeting. Libya has been wracked by chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 and split the oil-rich North African country between a UN-supported government in the capital, Tripoli, and rival authorities based in the country's east. Each side was backed by armed groups and foreign governments. The UN Estimated in December there were at least 20,000 foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya, including Syrians, Russians, Sudanese and Chadians. (With inputs from agencies)

UN agrees to deploy ceasefire monitors as Libya heads towards December polls 

Libyan authorities have reportedly released a man who has been commonly described as one of the world’s most wanted human traffickers.&nbsp;The man in question, Abd al-Rahman Milad is a coastguard commander who goes by the alias Bija. He was earlier&nbsp;sanctioned by the United Nations for sinking migrant boats.

Milad is part of a criminal network which operates from Zwiyah in northwest Libya, The Guardian reported. In October 2020, he was arrested by authorities&nbsp;but was freed on Sunday after charges against him were dropped by the military attorney general of Tripoli, citing&nbsp;lack of evidence.

The UNSC had imposed sanctions against Bija and five others in June 2018 for their connections with criminal networks that specialise in trafficking migrants from Libya.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/libyas-interior-minister-survives-assassination-attempt-365292" hreflang="en">Libya's interior minister survives assassination attempt</a>

In 2019, an Italian newspaper called Avvenire had reported that Bija was present in Europe throughout the last few years at official meetings including Italy, Rome between 2017-2019.

Soon after the news of his release came in, criticism flowed in from many parts of the world, especially in Italy where two journalists were given police protection for reporting on the criminal’s activities.

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Many migrants hoping to flee wars and poverty cross through the country in hopes of reaching Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

The UN has referred to Bija as being directly involved in “sinking of migrant boats” was introduced at official meetings as a “Libyan coastguard”, the Italian newspaper reported.

Libyan authorities have reportedly released a man who has been commonly described as one of the world’s most wanted human traffickers. The man in question, Abd al-Rahman Milad is a coastguard commander who goes by the alias Bija.

Libyan authorities have reportedly released a man who has been commonly described as one of the world’s most wanted human traffickers. The man in question, Abd al-Rahman Milad is a coastguard commander who goes by the alias Bija. He was earlier sanctioned by the United Nations for sinking migrant boats. Milad is part of a criminal network which operates from Zwiyah in northwest Libya, The Guardian reported. In October 2020, he was arrested by authorities but was freed on Sunday after charges against him were dropped by the military attorney general of Tripoli, citing lack of evidence. The UNSC had imposed sanctions against Bija and five others in June 2018 for their connections with criminal networks that specialise in trafficking migrants from Libya. Also read: Libya's interior minister survives assassination attempt In 2019, an Italian newspaper called Avvenire had reported that Bija was present in Europe throughout the last few years at official meetings including Italy, Rome between 2017-2019. Soon after the news of his release came in, criticism flowed in from many parts of the world, especially in Italy where two journalists were given police protection for reporting on the criminal’s activities. Also read: Over 1,500 migrants ‘rescued’ off Libya coast in week Many migrants hoping to flee wars and poverty cross through the country in hopes of reaching Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. The UN has referred to Bija as being directly involved in “sinking of migrant boats” was introduced at official meetings as a “Libyan coastguard”, the Italian newspaper reported.

One of the world's most wanted human traffickers released by Libya

The Interior Minister of Libya, Fathi Bashagha, successfully survived an assassination attempt on Sunday near the capital city of Tripoli.

Bashagha's convoy "was fired on from an armoured car while he was on the highway" near Tripoli.

His convoy had returned the fire leading to the arrest of two of the assailants. A third assailant was identified as Radwan al-Hangari, who later died in the hospital, as per sources quoted by news agency AFP.

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It is being assumed that the three assailants hailed from Zawiya, 50 kilometres (30 miles) west of Tripoli.

The news agency AFP quoted one of their own reporters who heard an intense exchange of gunfire around 3 pm (1300 GMT) on the coastal road near Janzur on the eastern edges of Tripoli.

The road was later closed for investigation for nearly an hour by security forces.

After the incident, the interior ministry has assured everyone that the minister is safe and unharmed. In a statement, the ministry claimed that he was targeted in an "assassination attempt as he returned from his residence in Janzur".&nbsp;

The attackers used an armoured Toyota truck which was fitted with a machine gun.&nbsp;

As of now, only a security guard has been reported as injured. The militants have been arrested and are being questioned, as per sources.

The Interior Minister of Libya, Fathi Bashagha, successfully survived an assassination attempt on Sunday near the capital city of Tripoli. Bashagha's convoy "was fired on from an armoured car while he was on the highway" near Tripoli.

The Interior Minister of Libya, Fathi Bashagha, successfully survived an assassination attempt on Sunday near the capital city of Tripoli. Bashagha's convoy "was fired on from an armoured car while he was on the highway" near Tripoli. His convoy had returned the fire leading to the arrest of two of the assailants. A third assailant was identified as Radwan al-Hangari, who later died in the hospital, as per sources quoted by news agency AFP. Also read| Trump's ally, Erik Prince, violated Libya arms embargo: UN It is being assumed that the three assailants hailed from Zawiya, 50 kilometres (30 miles) west of Tripoli. The news agency AFP quoted one of their own reporters who heard an intense exchange of gunfire around 3 pm (1300 GMT) on the coastal road near Janzur on the eastern edges of Tripoli. The road was later closed for investigation for nearly an hour by security forces. After the incident, the interior ministry has assured everyone that the minister is safe and unharmed. In a statement, the ministry claimed that he was targeted in an "assassination attempt as he returned from his residence in Janzur". The attackers used an armoured Toyota truck which was fitted with a machine gun. As of now, only a security guard has been reported as injured. The militants have been arrested and are being questioned, as per sources.

Libya's interior minister survives assassination attempt

Libya’s interior minister Fathi Bashagha survived an attack by gunmen on his motorcade which came under fire outside the capital. The gunmen fired on his convoy as he drove across countries capital Tripoli.

WION Dispatch: Libya's Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha survives assassination attempt

Libya’s Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha has survived an attack by gunmen on his motorcade. The gunmen fired on his convoy as he drove across Libya's capital Tripoli.

Libyan's Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha survives assassination

A major ally of the reality TV star and former US President, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, did violate a United Nations arms embargo on Libya, a United Nations' report has concluded.

Erik Prince is the former head of the security contractor Blackwater Worldwide and a prominent Trump supporter.

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The New York Times received a confidential UN report which, as per the media house, reveals that Prince deployed a force of foreign mercenaries to eastern Libya in 2019 along with attack aircraft, gunboats and cyberwarfare capabilities.

This supply took place at a time when eastern Libya was at the height of a major battle in 2019.

The UN report also revealed that the mercenaries had also planned to form a hit squad that would have been capable of and responsible for tracking down and assassinating selected Libyan commanders opposed to Hafter — including some who were also European Union citizens.

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This mission, as per the reports, had cost nearly $80 million.

It describes how a friend and former business partner of Prince travelled to Jordan to buy surplus, American-made Cobra helicopters from the Jordanian military. This would have normally required permission from the US government, according to military experts quoted by the Times. The friend, Christiaan Durrant, manipulated the system by assuring officials in Jordan that he had “clearances from everywhere” and that his team’s work had been approved “at the highest level”.

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The report also claims that Durrant had made several phone calls to the White House switchboard in late July 2019, after the mercenary operation ran into trouble. However, it is not clear if he got through and who was he aiming to contact.

If proven guilty, these charges can lead to Prince facing UN sanctions such as a travel ban and freezing of all of his assets. However, such punishments are seeming to be uncertain at this point.

As of now, Prince has not been cooperating with the investigators and his lawyer has, since last year, denied any involvement and responsibility of these allegations.

(With inputs from The New York Times)

A major ally of the reality TV star and former US President, Donald Trump, did violate a United Nations arms embargo on Libya, a United Nations' report has concluded.

A major ally of the reality TV star and former US President, Donald Trump, did violate a United Nations arms embargo on Libya, a United Nations' report has concluded. Erik Prince is the former head of the security contractor Blackwater Worldwide and a prominent Trump supporter. Also read| Casino formerly owned by Donald Trump demolished The New York Times received a confidential UN report which, as per the media house, reveals that Prince deployed a force of foreign mercenaries to eastern Libya in 2019 along with attack aircraft, gunboats and cyberwarfare capabilities. This supply took place at a time when eastern Libya was at the height of a major battle in 2019. The UN report also revealed that the mercenaries had also planned to form a hit squad that would have been capable of and responsible for tracking down and assassinating selected Libyan commanders opposed to Hafter — including some who were also European Union citizens. Also read| Donald Trump preferred candidate for 2024 presidential election: Poll This mission, as per the reports, had cost nearly $80 million. It describes how a friend and former business partner of Prince travelled to Jordan to buy surplus, American-made Cobra helicopters from the Jordanian military. This would have normally required permission from the US government, according to military experts quoted by the Times. The friend, Christiaan Durrant, manipulated the system by assuring officials in Jordan that he had “clearances from everywhere” and that his team’s work had been approved “at the highest level”. Also read| 'Unsmiling political hack': Trump lashes out at Mitch McConnell after impeachment trial The report also claims that Durrant had made several phone calls to the White House switchboard in late July 2019, after the mercenary operation ran into trouble. However, it is not clear if he got through and who was he aiming to contact. If proven guilty, these charges can lead to Prince facing UN sanctions such as a travel ban and freezing of all of his assets. However, such punishments are seeming to be uncertain at this point. As of now, Prince has not been cooperating with the investigators and his lawyer has, since last year, denied any involvement and responsibility of these allegations. (With inputs from The New York Times)

Trump's ally, Erik Prince, violated Libya arms embargo: UN

West Asia has been blanketed by snow. Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine & Saudi Arabia are all reporting snowfall. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why this is proof of climate change.

Gravitas: Why its snowing in West Asia

In a week, Libya has rescued more than 1,500 would-be migrants off its west coast, a non-governmental organisation said.&nbsp;

"The Libyan coastguard has conducted several rescue operations from a week ago until (Wednesday) and rescued about 1,500 people," Adel al-Idrissi from the International Rescue Committee said.&nbsp;

On Wednesday alone, 240 African migrants were rescued from two boats off the port city of Al-Khums, said Lieutenant-Colonel Mohammed Abdel Aali of the coastguard.&nbsp;

"We encountered difficulties in getting the (migrants from the first boat) on board, but the second group showed less opposition," he said.&nbsp;

Migrants intercepted off the Libyan coast object to being returned to the country, preferring to wait for humanitarian rescue ships.&nbsp;

Despite unabated violence in Libya since the fall of Moamer Kadhafi's regime in 2011, the country remains an important transit point for migrants fleeing instability in other parts of Africa and the Middle East and seeking to reach Europe.&nbsp;

International agencies frequently denounce the return to Libya of migrants intercepted at sea due to the chaotic situation in the country and poor conditions in detention centres.&nbsp;

Veronica Alfonsi, a spokeswoman for the Spanish aid ship Open Arms, confirmed on Wednesday that around 200 people had been returned to Libya.&nbsp;

"Men, women and children taken back to Libya against their will," the charity's founder Oscar Camps said on Twitter.&nbsp;

More than 1,200 migrants and asylum-seekers died while crossing the Mediterranean in 2020, according to the International Organization for Migration.

In a week, Libya has rescued more than 1,500 would-be migrants off its west coast, a non-governmental organisation said. "The Libyan coastguard has conducted several rescue operations from a week ago until (Wednesday) and rescued about 1,500 people," Adel al-Idrissi from the International Rescue Committee said.

In a week, Libya has rescued more than 1,500 would-be migrants off its west coast, a non-governmental organisation said. "The Libyan coastguard has conducted several rescue operations from a week ago until (Wednesday) and rescued about 1,500 people," Adel al-Idrissi from the International Rescue Committee said. On Wednesday alone, 240 African migrants were rescued from two boats off the port city of Al-Khums, said Lieutenant-Colonel Mohammed Abdel Aali of the coastguard. "We encountered difficulties in getting the (migrants from the first boat) on board, but the second group showed less opposition," he said. Migrants intercepted off the Libyan coast object to being returned to the country, preferring to wait for humanitarian rescue ships. Despite unabated violence in Libya since the fall of Moamer Kadhafi's regime in 2011, the country remains an important transit point for migrants fleeing instability in other parts of Africa and the Middle East and seeking to reach Europe. International agencies frequently denounce the return to Libya of migrants intercepted at sea due to the chaotic situation in the country and poor conditions in detention centres. Veronica Alfonsi, a spokeswoman for the Spanish aid ship Open Arms, confirmed on Wednesday that around 200 people had been returned to Libya. "Men, women and children taken back to Libya against their will," the charity's founder Oscar Camps said on Twitter. More than 1,200 migrants and asylum-seekers died while crossing the Mediterranean in 2020, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Over 1,500 migrants ‘rescued’ off Libya coast in week

The aim has been to ensure the three regions of Libya are represented in the government in the run-up to the elections.

UN sponsored talks produce interim government for Libya

Libya`s parallel eastern administration welcomed Friday`s announcement of a new interim government to unite the country, but added it would only cede power if the eastern-based parliament approved.

Saturday`s qualified statement of support - leaving scope to oppose the move later - illustrates the challenges that may face U.N.-led efforts to find a political solution to a decade of chaos, division and violence.

Libya has been split between east and west since 2014, with the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, and a rival administration in Benghazi backed by Khalifa Haftar`s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA).

On Friday, participants in U.N. talks in Switzerland voted on a new presidency council and government head to oversee the run-up to national parliamentary and presidential elections planned for December.

Losing candidates in the vote - including the eastern-based parliament head Aguila Saleh and western-based interior minister Fathi Bashagha and defence minister Saleh Namroush - have made public statements of support for the new government.

Under rules agreed by the Libyan talks participants picked by the United Nations to represent the country`s rival political currents, the new prime minister, Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, has three weeks to form a new government and present it to parliament.

Parliament split in 2019 as a group of lawmakers broke off, making any agreement by a full quorum difficult. If it does not ratify the new government, however, the U.N. talks participants have agreed that they have the power to do so themselves.

The parliament had opposed the formation of the GNA, appointing its own parallel eastern-based administration under Abdullah Thinni. He said on Saturday his administration would not stand down until a full parliamentary assembly approved the new government.

Haftar, who was appointed army chief by the eastern-based parliament, did not issue an immediate statement. However, his general command headquarters said it welcomed the agreement and called for all to help reaching the December elections.

The United Arab Emirates and Egypt, which both backed Haftar during the war, have publicly voiced support.

Tayyip Erdogan the president of Turkey, which supports the GNA, spoke by phone with Dbeibeh and the new presidency council head Abdulmajid al-Menfi to congratulate them, his office said on Saturday.

Erdogan told them that Turkey, whose forces helped repel an attack on Tripoli by Haftar last year, would "continue to contribute to the peace, security and welfare" of Libyans, it added.

The United Nations has previously said the UAE, Egypt, Turkey and Russia broke an arms embargo on Libya that they had publicly endorsed.

Libya`s parallel eastern administration welcomed Friday`s announcement of a new interim government to unite the country, but added it would only cede power if the eastern-based parliament approved.

Libya`s parallel eastern administration welcomed Friday`s announcement of a new interim government to unite the country, but added it would only cede power if the eastern-based parliament approved. Saturday`s qualified statement of support - leaving scope to oppose the move later - illustrates the challenges that may face U.N.-led efforts to find a political solution to a decade of chaos, division and violence. Libya has been split between east and west since 2014, with the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, and a rival administration in Benghazi backed by Khalifa Haftar`s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA). On Friday, participants in U.N. talks in Switzerland voted on a new presidency council and government head to oversee the run-up to national parliamentary and presidential elections planned for December. Losing candidates in the vote - including the eastern-based parliament head Aguila Saleh and western-based interior minister Fathi Bashagha and defence minister Saleh Namroush - have made public statements of support for the new government. Under rules agreed by the Libyan talks participants picked by the United Nations to represent the country`s rival political currents, the new prime minister, Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, has three weeks to form a new government and present it to parliament. Parliament split in 2019 as a group of lawmakers broke off, making any agreement by a full quorum difficult. If it does not ratify the new government, however, the U.N. talks participants have agreed that they have the power to do so themselves. The parliament had opposed the formation of the GNA, appointing its own parallel eastern-based administration under Abdullah Thinni. He said on Saturday his administration would not stand down until a full parliamentary assembly approved the new government. Haftar, who was appointed army chief by the eastern-based parliament, did not issue an immediate statement. However, his general command headquarters said it welcomed the agreement and called for all to help reaching the December elections. The United Arab Emirates and Egypt, which both backed Haftar during the war, have publicly voiced support. Tayyip Erdogan the president of Turkey, which supports the GNA, spoke by phone with Dbeibeh and the new presidency council head Abdulmajid al-Menfi to congratulate them, his office said on Saturday. Erdogan told them that Turkey, whose forces helped repel an attack on Tripoli by Haftar last year, would "continue to contribute to the peace, security and welfare" of Libyans, it added. The United Nations has previously said the UAE, Egypt, Turkey and Russia broke an arms embargo on Libya that they had publicly endorsed.

Libya power brokers welcome accord but challenges lie ahead

Foreign forces in Libya ignored a pull out deadline set by a UN-backed ceasefire deal on Saturday. An unidentified US intelligence officer was quoted in news reports as saying that there was 'no intent' by Turkish or Russian forces to leave Libya and abide by the UN deal. The developments signify the fragility of peace efforts in Libya, which has seen a decade of conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged all "regional and international actors to respect the provisions" of the October 23 ceasefire accord that set out a withdrawal within three months of all foreign troops and mercenaries.

That deadline passed on Saturday, with no movement announced or observed on the ground.

The UN estimates there are still some 20,000 foreign troops and mercenaries in Libya helping the warring factions, the UN-recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli and military strongman Khalifa Haftar in the east.

The GNA has received military support from Turkey. Haftar has the backing of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt as well as Russia.

On Friday, CNN broadcast satellite images showed that Russian proxies were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-huge-trench-by-russian-proxies-may-derail-peace-process-says-report-358600">digging a kilometres-long trench</a> from coastal areas near Site to their stronghold in al-Jufra. The objective appeared to be to fortify their positions against attacks from western parts of Libya held by internationally recognised Libyan government.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-huge-trench-by-russian-proxies-may-derail-peace-process-says-report-358600">Libya: Huge trench by Russian proxies may derail peace process, says report</a>

UN Secretary-General Guterres called on all parties to implement the terms of the ceasefire "without delay," something he noted "includes ensuring the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, and the full and unconditional respect of the Security Council arms embargo," which has been in place since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted and killed longtime ruler Moamer Kadhafi.

(With AFP inputs)

Foreign forces in Libya ignored a pull out deadline set by a UN-backed ceasefire deal on Saturday. An unidentified US intelligence officer was quoted in news reports as saying that there was 'no intent' by Turkish or Russian forces to leave Libya and abide by the UN deal.

Foreign forces in Libya ignored a pull out deadline set by a UN-backed ceasefire deal on Saturday. An unidentified US intelligence officer was quoted in news reports as saying that there was 'no intent' by Turkish or Russian forces to leave Libya and abide by the UN deal. The developments signify the fragility of peace efforts in Libya, which has seen a decade of conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged all "regional and international actors to respect the provisions" of the October 23 ceasefire accord that set out a withdrawal within three months of all foreign troops and mercenaries. That deadline passed on Saturday, with no movement announced or observed on the ground. The UN estimates there are still some 20,000 foreign troops and mercenaries in Libya helping the warring factions, the UN-recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli and military strongman Khalifa Haftar in the east. The GNA has received military support from Turkey. Haftar has the backing of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt as well as Russia. On Friday, CNN broadcast satellite images showed that Russian proxies were digging a kilometres-long trench from coastal areas near Site to their stronghold in al-Jufra. The objective appeared to be to fortify their positions against attacks from western parts of Libya held by internationally recognised Libyan government. Also Read | Libya: Huge trench by Russian proxies may derail peace process, says report UN Secretary-General Guterres called on all parties to implement the terms of the ceasefire "without delay," something he noted "includes ensuring the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, and the full and unconditional respect of the Security Council arms embargo," which has been in place since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted and killed longtime ruler Moamer Kadhafi. (With AFP inputs)

Libya: Foreign forces ignore UN peace deal deadline

An enormous trench being dug by Wagner, the Russian-backed mercenaries in war-torn Libya is threatening to derail UN-brokered peace deal, said CNN. The peace deal insists that all foreign fighters should leave Libya by this Saturday. However, the kilometres-long trench by Russian proxies suggests that they intend to further fortify their position.

Libya has seen conflict between internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) and Libyan National Army (LNA). The LNA has dominant presence in eastern Libya and enjoys support from Russia and UAE.

On Friday, CNN published satellite images that showed construction of 'dozens of kilometers' long trench being dug from coastal region around Sirte. The trench extends to al-Jufra, a stronghold of Wagner mercenaries in the south. The trench is apparently being dug to repel attack against LNA defensive lines.

As per UN data, the conflict between GNA and LNA has caused 2000 deaths and has further shattered oil-rich, strategically important middle eastern nation.

"I don't think anyone digging a trench today and making these reinforcements is leaving anytime soon," GNA Defense Minister Salaheddin Al-Namroush told CNN.&nbsp;

An enormous trench being dug by Wagner, the Russian-backed mercenaries in war-torn Libya is threatening to derail UN-brokered peace deal, said CNN. The peace deal insists that all foreign fighters should leave Libya by this Saturday.

An enormous trench being dug by Wagner, the Russian-backed mercenaries in war-torn Libya is threatening to derail UN-brokered peace deal, said CNN. The peace deal insists that all foreign fighters should leave Libya by this Saturday. However, the kilometres-long trench by Russian proxies suggests that they intend to further fortify their position. Libya has seen conflict between internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) and Libyan National Army (LNA). The LNA has dominant presence in eastern Libya and enjoys support from Russia and UAE. On Friday, CNN published satellite images that showed construction of 'dozens of kilometers' long trench being dug from coastal region around Sirte. The trench extends to al-Jufra, a stronghold of Wagner mercenaries in the south. The trench is apparently being dug to repel attack against LNA defensive lines. As per UN data, the conflict between GNA and LNA has caused 2000 deaths and has further shattered oil-rich, strategically important middle eastern nation. "I don't think anyone digging a trench today and making these reinforcements is leaving anytime soon," GNA Defense Minister Salaheddin Al-Namroush told CNN.

Libya: Huge trench by Russian proxies may derail peace process, says report

The UN mission in Libya has welcomed a second exchange of prisoners between the country's rival administrations and called for faster progress on other parts of an October truce.

The formerly warring sides exchanged a total of 35 prisoners in the small southwestern town of Shwairif under the auspices of a Joint Military Commission (JMC) set up under the hard-won ceasefire, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said late Tuesday.

The two sides completed a first prisoner swap in the same town late last month.

"This second official exchange of detainees is the result of the steadfast commitment by the JMC to move forward with the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement," the UN mission said.

"In this spirit, UNSMIL calls on both parties to swiftly finalise ongoing negotiations to reopen the coastal road."

The main highway along Libya's Mediterranean coast linking the capital Tripoli in the west with second city Benghazi in the east has long been severed by the front line between the opposing administrations.

The UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) controls Tripoli and most of the west while a rival administration dominated by military strongman Khalifa Haftar controls Benghazi and the east.

The fragile ceasefire between the two sides has largely held despite a threat by Haftar last month to resume fighting.

The next major test of the truce is a January 23 deadline for all foreign troops and mercenaries to leave Libya.

Turkey has deployed troops and Syrian militia allies in support of the GNA.

Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have dispatched military advisers and private contractors in support of Haftar.

UN chief Antonio Guterres proposed last month that international monitors be deployed to support the ceasefire amid hopes Libya can finally turn the page on a decade of war since a NATO-backed uprising ousted and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

The UN mission in Libya has welcomed a second exchange of prisoners between the country's rival administrations and called for faster progress on other parts of an October truce.

The UN mission in Libya has welcomed a second exchange of prisoners between the country's rival administrations and called for faster progress on other parts of an October truce. The formerly warring sides exchanged a total of 35 prisoners in the small southwestern town of Shwairif under the auspices of a Joint Military Commission (JMC) set up under the hard-won ceasefire, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said late Tuesday. The two sides completed a first prisoner swap in the same town late last month. "This second official exchange of detainees is the result of the steadfast commitment by the JMC to move forward with the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement," the UN mission said. "In this spirit, UNSMIL calls on both parties to swiftly finalise ongoing negotiations to reopen the coastal road." The main highway along Libya's Mediterranean coast linking the capital Tripoli in the west with second city Benghazi in the east has long been severed by the front line between the opposing administrations. The UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) controls Tripoli and most of the west while a rival administration dominated by military strongman Khalifa Haftar controls Benghazi and the east. The fragile ceasefire between the two sides has largely held despite a threat by Haftar last month to resume fighting. The next major test of the truce is a January 23 deadline for all foreign troops and mercenaries to leave Libya. Turkey has deployed troops and Syrian militia allies in support of the GNA. Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have dispatched military advisers and private contractors in support of Haftar. UN chief Antonio Guterres proposed last month that international monitors be deployed to support the ceasefire amid hopes Libya can finally turn the page on a decade of war since a NATO-backed uprising ousted and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

UN hails new Libya prisoner swap under October truce

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