Libya: two support force members killed in drone strike

Two members of the Directorates Support Force were killed and two others were injured after a drone strike hit its patrols within Al-Ajilat in Libya, as reported by The Libya Observer on January 1st.

The Directorates Support Force, said the patrols were dispatched after receiving a report from a local resident regarding a boat at sea that appeared ready to depart with the intent to smuggle migrants.

While patrol members were attempting to tow the boat from the water, a drone targeted the unit. The strike resulted in the deaths of two personnel and caused varying injuries to two others.

The Tripoli Security Directorate Support Force was formed in July this year, following an announcement by the Presidential Council head, Mohamed Menfi. This was announced following the assassination of Abdulghani Kikli (known as Ghaniwa) in May, who was the commander of the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA). The SSA was previously under the protection of the Presidential Council and was one of Tripoli’s most influential and powerful armed groups. They were formed by Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Unity (GNU). In comparison to the GNU, Libya’s eastern government has a much more powerful and centralised military, known as the Libyan National Army (LNA).

Following the assassination of Ghaniwa, the SSA was essentially dissolved, with sweeping security reforms by GNU Prime Minister Abdul Hamad Dbeibah reconfiguring various departments.

Units from the Directorates Support Force moved from their office in Al-Ajilat and found a vessel offshore while a group of migrants were preparing to board. Upon the arrival of security personnel, the migrants fled the scene. Two individuals were detained during the operation. The city of Al-Ajilat, like much of Libya since the fall of Gaddafi, is no stranger to violent clashes between rival militias.

The force confirmed that the Public Prosecution has formally opened an investigation into the attack to determine how the patrols were targeted and to establish legal responsibility in line with applicable procedures. Separately, the Directorates Support Force said it has launched its own urgent and transparent inquiry aimed at identifying those responsible and holding them fully accountable for what it described as the serious security consequences of the attack.

In its statement, the force strongly condemned the incident, calling it a hostile act. It emphasised its long-standing role in maritime rescue operations, noting that over recent years it has saved thousands of migrants at sea and provided medical care and humanitarian assistance. The force said this record raises questions about which parties may be adversely affected by its continued success in carrying out what it described as both national and humanitarian duties.

The Directorates Support Force also appealed to national authorities to place the public interest first and avoid actions that could undermine state security institutions. It reaffirmed its commitment to taking all legally permitted measures to safeguard its personnel and assets in accordance with existing legislation.

The Libya Observer, Amnesty International, Maghrebi.org