Khalifa Haftar is in the news as Libya’s military leader amid ongoing political chaos. Born 1943, he commands the Libyan National Army.
On February 3, 2026, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libya's former dictator Muammar Gaddafi, was killed in his home in Zintan by four masked men who disabled surveillance cameras. His death was confirmed by his lawyer and political adviser. Saif al-Islam was a controversial figure, sentenced to death in absentia and wanted by the ICC, who had sought to re-enter Libyan politics amid ongoing national divisions.
The UK imposed sanctions on Sudanese military leaders linked to ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The measures target commanders accused of atrocities, with calls for ceasefire and humanitarian access amid a humanitarian crisis. The conflict has displaced millions since April 2023.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was shot dead at his home in Zintan and buried in Bani Walid, nearly 15 years after his father was toppled in 2011. His death has deepened Libya's ongoing political and regional divisions amid ongoing chaos.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was shot dead at his home in Zintan on February 3, 2026. The killing, carried out by four masked men, occurred amid ongoing political instability and divided loyalties in Libya. His death has significant implications for Libya's future power dynamics and electoral prospects.
Libya has seen a significant easing of conflict, with recent agreements on a unified budget and joint military exercises involving forces from both the eastern Libyan National Army and the UN-recognized government. The exercises, supported by the US and Italy, mark a step toward military integration after years of division and conflict. Meanwhile, investigations reveal ongoing financial and military support networks linked to Haftar's forces, including illicit arms transfers and influence over Libya's economy. Satellite images also show new drone activity at Al Khadim airbase, indicating continued military developments.
A Russian LNG tanker, Arctic Metagaz, has been drifting in the Mediterranean since a series of explosions on March 3. Libyan authorities failed to tow it due to bad weather, raising environmental concerns. The vessel remains out of control, with risks of pollution and ecological disaster.
A report by The Sentry links Libyan businessman Ahmed Gadalla to financing Haftar's failed offensive, supporting Russian mercenaries and illicit financial activities. Gadalla's influence has expanded across eastern Libya's financial system, with ongoing efforts to procure arms for Sudan amid regional instability. Western calls for sanctions grow.
A Russian LNG tanker has been drifting in the Mediterranean since a suspected sea drone attack in early March. The vessel, carrying 60,000 tonnes of LNG, was badly damaged and is now out of control. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility but is accused of targeting the tanker with naval drones. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over sanctions and energy exports amid the Ukraine conflict.
Libya's rival factions have endorsed a unified budget, marking a step toward financial stability after years of division. The agreement was signed by representatives from Tripoli and Benghazi, supported by US mediation, but political divisions and control over oil regions remain unresolved.
The UN report shows Libya's Subul al-Salam Battalion has been supporting the RSF in Sudan by transferring fighters, weapons, and fuel. This support has helped the RSF advance and has weakened border security, escalating the ongoing Sudanese war that has killed over 59,000 people since April 2023.