Libya faces new phase of tensions with drone strikes and assassinations, warns Mostafa Abdelkebir

Speaking on Jawhara FM on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Abdelkebir reiterated his long-standing concerns about the presence of Ukrainian drones circulating among armed groups in western Libya. He had previously warned that if these drones fell outside the control of the Libyan army and security forces, they could be used by various armed factions, posing a threat to the Libyan population and neighboring countries. Abdelkebir suggested that drones could become a primary weapon in conflicts, with losing factions seeking similar armaments to rebalance power.

He noted an initial attack on an oil facility in western Libya, followed by several more strikes, affecting areas around a refinery and causing some residents to flee. The identity of those using and supplying these drones remains unclear due to the complex network of armed groups and their political backers. Abdelkebir highlighted that these factions are not entirely independent, with some claiming affiliation with the Ministry of Interior or the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity led by Abdelhamid Dbeibah, while others align with rival structures or receive instructions from different officials.

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