LIBYA RISK REPORT

Threat level: High
Libya is a very unstable and unpredictable country at present. Daily fighting and frequent disruption and unease in the country means that all travel to the country is highly advised against and anyone remaining in the country is advised to leave immediately. The British and U.S Embassies have been closed since 2014.

There is a very high risk of kidnapping throughout Libya, particularly foreign visitors. There have been a number of kidnappings, including of British, U.S. and Ethiopian nationals in recent years, with reports of some being killed by Daesh. Should you choose to travel to Libya, you should exercise extreme caution at all times and never travel alone.

Recent Security risk events
The terrorist group ISIL/ISIS is operating in the country and targeting westerners and western interests. Many embassies have been attacked including those of Middle Eastern and Arabic countries (UAE, Egypt, Morocco & Algeria). There have been a number of recent car bomb attacks in in Tripoli, Tobruk and Benghazi as well as regular gun battles between factions.

The Libyan National Army recently announced that all vessels in Libyan waters require army approval for transit, following the January 4, 2015 bombing of a Greek-operated oil tanker near Derna, that killed two crew.

In December 2016 a suicide bomber killed eight Libyan army troops near the eastern city of Benghazi. IS claimed responsibility for the bombing in a statement circulated online.

In January 2017 the former Minister of the Interior Ashour Ben Shuwail was injured in an attempted bombing attack by suspected Islamic terrorist organisations. Several other people were killed in the explosion.

In 2015, ISIL attacked Mabruk oilfield some 170 kilometres southeast of Sirte, killing 9, and 3 foreign national workers from an oil company were kidnapped. ISIL remain in control of Sirte and the central coastal region.

ISIL recently launched a large scale attack where at least 9 people, including 5 foreign nationals, were killed during the attack on an international hotel in Tripoli frequently used by foreigners. There are also recent unconfirmed reports circulating that 5 Egyptian nationals have kidnapped and held for ransom by Islamic extremists. The risk of kidnapp in Libya is currently very high for all Foreign nationals.

Security risks
All travel to Libya should be with the appropriate level of armed Close Protection with all movement being meticulously planned with logistical support in place.

There have been demonstrations in cities and large towns which you should not get involved in at all cost. Heavy fighting continues in residential areas of Benghazi city as a result of the political instability. Avoid large gatherings and monitor the local media when possible.

Crime rates are high in all areas of the country mostly due to the ongoing armed conflicts and political instabilities. Take into consideration the high risk of theft, assaults and armed banditry. The road between Tripoli and the Ras-al Jadir border crossing with Tunisia is at a particularly high risk of banditry.

Tripoli is still a potentially dangerous city and presents a high risk to foreign nationals with near daily reports of car jackings and kidnaps.

International relations
The foreign relations of Libya were largely reshuffled after the Libyan Civil War, with the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi and the foundation of the current Libyan State. Libya has received much foreign aid from the US, UK and France, before and after the war, leading to improved relations.

Travel considerations
The standard of driving in Libya is poor, but the roads around main cities are generally in reasonable condition. You should avoid all off-road driving due to the risk of unexploded landmines.

Foreign nationals especially those from western countries including news teams are thought to be high priority targets of mistreatment and kidnappings by the armed groups in Libya, so you should travel with protection at all times.

There is a widespread and worsening shortage of diesel and petrol and lengthy queues at fuel stations are common. It is advised to take extra fuel supplies during any extended travel and have adequate supplies of food and water in your vehicle.