Libya: 10 convicted of terrorism-related crimes are executed
10 individuals convicted of "terrorist crimes" and assassinations targeting military personnel and civilians were executed by firing squad by authorities in eastern Libya.
10 individuals convicted of “terrorist crimes” and assassinations targeting military personnel and civilians were executed by firing squad by authorities in eastern Libya, according to Asharq Al-Awsat on August 24th.
The executions followed rulings by the Supreme Military Court after deliberations lasting several years.
The Office of the Military Prosecutor General of the Libyan National Army (LNA) said the trials fulfilled all legal requirements, including prosecution and defence procedures, and final rulings were enforced under applicable Libyan legislation.
Charges included membership in terrorist organisations banned locally and internationally, as well as assassinations, with the executions intended to deter anyone from joining these organisations, as well as to achieve justice.
The executions come as Libya continues to struggle with a fragmented political and security landscape.
The LNA, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, exercises significant control over eastern and parts of Southern Libya, while the UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) remains based in Tripoli.
Maghrebi.org has described the country’s political order as one marked by competing centres of authority and fragmented legitimacy.
The division extends to Libya’s military institutions. Efforts to create a unified national army have remained a central issue in international diplomacy, with the US and Italy supporting initiatives aimed at bringing the country’s rival military structures closer together.
On August 10th, Libya’s Chief of General Staff, Salah Al-Din Al-Namroush, also called for a professional army serving the entire country serving the entire country and remaining outside political divisions.
At the same time, armed groups continue to play a major role in Libya’s security environment.
Maghrebi.org has reported that militias have evolved into powerful actors with influence over territory, political institutions, economic activity and security, complicating efforts to establish a unified state authority.
Eastern Libya’s authorities have increasingly sought to portray the LNA as a central institution for maintaining security and confronting militant and criminal networks.
The eastern military leadership has also expanded its presence in southern Libya, where border routes connect the country with Chad, Niger and Sudan and are used by smugglers, migrants and armed groups.
The executions therefore take place against a wider backdrop of efforts to strengthen military control while international actors push for the reunification of Libya’s divided institutions.
A political roadmap agreed by Libya’s main political bodies has proposed elections by February 2027, although powerful military and political actors remain a major obstacle to lasting reunification.
Asharq Al-Awsat, Maghrebi.org
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