EL_Rigas

Conflict, Geopolitics, Economic Impact, and Humanitarian Concerns focusing on Libya and MENA regional news.

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Recent attacks using Fiber Optic FPV Drones on Zawiya Oil Facilities, Electrical Power Stations & Telecommunications Networks in past week. No single faction have officially claimed responsibility. Vows from GNU Administration to pursue accountability for the sabotage attacks.

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Multiple drone attacks targeted Libya's, Al Zawiya Oil Refinery, in August 2026 has caused major tank fires & threatening national shutdown. The attacks reflect a wider global pattern of energy infrastructure vulnerabilities tied to domestic & proxy rivalries.

[Taher EL-Sonni طاهر السني @TaherSonni]

A productive meeting with Ms. Ulrika Richardson @UlrikaR_UN DRSG/Resident Coordinator in NY. We exchanged views on the work of the UN team in #Libya & the efforts to provide necessary support in both Development and Humanitarian needs. I reaffirmed Libya’s national position in rejecting any attempts to establish migrants settlements under any pretext, Libya welcomes all efforts to help address the humanitarian challenges of illegal migrations & work jointly on the root causes, Libya shouldn’t hold the burden of this matter alone. Ms. Richardson stated that the UN has no intention of settling migrants or refugees in Libya, but works closely with Libyan authorities to support voluntary return, humanitarian assistance, and other lawful solutions outside Libya for people fleeing conflict and persecution.

[Reuters Africa @ReutersAfrica]

Hundreds of Libyan demonstrators blocked off the office of the U.N. refugee agency in the capital Tripoli on Thursday during a protest against migrants who have travelled to the country in search of work or passage to Europe. https://t.co/7SQeI9NmYo

[Reuters Africa @ReutersAfrica]

Hundreds of Libyan demonstrators blocked off the office of the U.N. refugee agency in the capital Tripoli on Thursday during a protest against migrants who have travelled to the country in search of work or passage to Europe. https://t.co/QS3eR3J2mw

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Continuous wide speculation is growing over the Boulos deal in Libya amid UN mission in Libya is racing in holding round table negotiations between rivals governments between east and west with a 4+4 committee of a joint specialized members to resolve the deadlocks and seeking to establish bridging the gap for the stalled transitional process.

The Iran War has seemingly shown the fragile global energy independence as world powers sprint to secure and dominate global natural resources.

[The Libya Observer @Lyobserver]

Boulos' power-sharing deal is widely rejected in Libya

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Reports of Mali's Tuareg rebels announce deal for Russian Africa Corps withdrawal from Kidal.

In the past hour, Russia and FLA have come to an agreement to allow for the withdrawal of Russian Africa Corps from Tessalit, northern Mali, La Revue Afrique reports.

It would mark the second city Russian forces have abandoned, leaving their Malian allies behind. The fall of Tessalit means the entire north of Mali has now effectively fallen to the Tuareg separatists.

[FRANCE 24 @FRANCE24]

New fighting erupts in northern Mali's Kidal as army clashes with Tuareg rebels
➡️ https://t.co/F2xU1MsitC

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Mali Defence Minister Sadio Camara Killed in Coordinated Nationwide Attacks.

Mali’s Defence Minister, General Sadio Camara, has reportedly been killed during coordinated attacks on military targets across the country, marking a significant escalation in the West African nation’s security crisis.

Security sources indicated that Camara’s residence was targeted in a suicide car bomb attack, underscoring the scale and coordination of the operation. Footage circulating online shows destroyed building by apparent suicide car bomb.

He was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures within the military leadership and a potential future leader of the country.

His death is seen as a major setback for Mali’s armed forces and could have far-reaching implications for the country’s fragile security landscape.

[Reuters Africa @ReutersAfrica]

Mali's Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in an attack by an al Qaeda affiliate on his residence near the main army base outside Bamako on Saturday, France's RFI radio and two relatives said on Sunday. https://t.co/mLoASNddtG

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Boulos Initiative, after sparking widespread backlash in western Libya and recently within city of Misurata.

The civil leadership and military stance meeting today to warn against the Boulos Initiative deal and agreement between rival governments and rejecting the plan instead calling for constitutional referendum and national elections to renew political legitimacy.

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

As the U.S. Initiative in Libya as of April, being heavily focused on consolidating a unified government, fostering economic stability through a national budget and mainly countering Russian Influence via recent anchored by "Boulos Initiative" aimed at restructuring the Executive Branch.

Despite the Initiative's key efforts of including Military Integration, transparency in oil revenue management and promoting elections to end long-standing political stalemate.

The Challenges: Is that the Initiative is facing growing internal opposition, with some factions warning against "U.S. deception" and the creation of "family rule: through the proposed power-sharing deals. The initiative aswell contradicts and conflicts with the UN Support Mission in Libya by promoting a parallel, U.S. led power-sharing arrangement that bypasses the UN's formal roadmap and focus on elections.

Part of Boulos Initiative playing a key role in accelerating Trumps "American Economic Influence over Libyan Oil and Gas Reserves" as Trump has explicitly centered his 2025–2026 administration on a policy of "American Energy Dominance," which seeks to maximize domestic fossil fuel production and use energy resources as a primary tool for global geopolitical leverage.

U.S. Administration's actions to exert control over world energy reserves include:

Direct Control in Venezuela:
Following the capture of Maduro in early 2026, Trump vowed the U.S. would "run" Venezuela and extract its vast oil wealth for the benefit of American companies. And sought over $100 bln. in investment.

Military Confrontation with Iran:
Analysts link recent U.S. military strikes against Iran to a broader goal of dominating energy markets by neutralizing rivals.

As of 2026, Libya holds the largest proven oil reserves in Africa and ranks 9th/10th globally, with an estimated 48 bln. barrels according to reports.

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Explosions and gunfire as armed groups launch co-ordinated attacks across key cities in Mali.

Mali's army confirmed on Saturday it was involved in clashes with armed fighters who had attacked army barracks in the capital Bamako and other areas in the country.

The attack carried out by elements from jihadists and separatist groups against Junta Army and Russian African Corps.

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

Armed groups have attacked Mali’s capital, its main airport, and several locations across the country, says Mali’s army in an apparently coordinated ⁠assault involving multiple groups.

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

According to a UN Panel of Experts report in April 2026, these fighters are primarily linked to the conflict in neighboring Sudan, using Libya as a strategic staging ground.

Transit Hub: The Subul al-Salam Battalion, based in Al Kufra an armed group under the command of Khalifa Haftar's LNA, has reportedly facilitated the transfer of former Colombian military personnel.

Location: Operations are centered in the southern town of Kufra. The battalion controls an airport and a rear base approximately 75km southwest of the town, which serves as a transit point for Colombian personnel and equipment.

While these mercenaries are primarily focused on the Sudanese theater, their presence in southern Libya has:

1. Weakened Border Security: The UN experts noted that the "Subul al-Salam" battalion's focus on escorting these foreign fighters has left the border triangle (Sudan, Egypt, and Libya) more vulnerable.

2. Resource Diversion: Logistics meant for Libyan security, such as fuel and vehicle parts, are reportedly being redirected to support the mercenary pipeline.

Haftar’s forces and the UAE have both issued denials regarding these findings, though the UN report covers monitoring data as recent as February 2026.

[Rich Tedd 🛰 ✈️ @AfriMEOSINT]

Our first guy here, Selvester, has once again revealed his location. I ID him at the Subul al-Salam battalion base in Kufra 🇱🇾 in August 2025, and by Jan 2026, he was confirmed to be operating from Bosaso Airport/PMPF base.

He also travelled to the UAE 🇦🇪 in November 2025.

2/

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Saudi Arabia moves to block Pakistan’s $5.5 billion weapon sales to 2 African countries as strategy shifts.

Indications for significant shift in Gulf-Africa relations driven by the sudden outbreak of the U.S.–Israel–Iran war in March 2026.

The proxy competition in Africa taking turns as earlier this year, Saudi Arabia began financing the sale of Pakistani arms to Libya, Sudan, and Somalia. This move was designed to counter the influence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Africa, particularly as nations like Sudan and Somalia began distancing themselves from Emirati partnerships in favor of Riyadh.

The conflict in the Middle East has impacted and forced a sudden "strategy pivot”:

Prioritization: Saudi Arabia and the UAE have shifted their focus and resources away from African influence to prioritize *domestic defense* and infrastructure protection against Iranian threats.

Blocked Deals: Consequently, planned arms shipments to Sudan and Somalia have been halted, as Africa has once again been placed on the "back burner" of Gulf foreign policy.

The situation serves as a stark reminder for African states regarding international alliances. The primary lesson is that “external partnerships are volatile” nations must develop robust domestic security strategies and internal capacities, as foreign allies will always prioritize their own national security over external interests during a crisis.

https://t.co/YHin0O59qp

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

The statement to the Security Council session on Libya, where the briefing of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to Libya pointing to the appointments and government amendments outside the constitutional and legal frameworks, risk being sought at judicial appeals.

A major Security Concern at this stage comes after reports are indicating a continued buildup of forces both from East and West camps. Risking clashes and endangering civilians, with concerns over the proliferation of weapons in Libya.

Despite the ongoing and rapid political status and process, encouraging actors to engage in dialogue to unify state institutions. It brings back similar events from 2019. There has been efforts to bring similar powers to an agreement only to then start a military campaign towards the capital Tripoli.

[UNSMIL @UNSMILibya]

SRSG Tetteh briefs the UN Security Council on the situation in Libya, 22 April 2026

Watch: https://t.co/YwAgWQ69Sj

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Andrew Hugg, US Army’s Chief of Chemical Nuclear Safety placed on administrative leave and escorted out of pentagon after viral undercover footage showed him revealing potentially sensitive info to a undercover journalist in public setting.

Allegedly got honey-potted at dinner, and spilling classified information.

[James O'Keefe @JamesOKeefeIII]

BREAKING NEWS: Top U.S. Nuclear Chief Caught LEAKING Sensitive National Security Information to Stranger, Reveals Army Chemist Was Exposed to U.S. Chemical Nerve Agent, Confirms U.S. Strike Killed Children in Iran, Discloses U.S. Plans to ‘Kill Iran’s New Supreme Leader’

“If he [Mojtaba Khamenei] doesn't change his ways, yeah, they're [United States] going to kill him.”

“The easiest way to get intelligence…send a pretty girl, talk to the guy…I have to resist your eyes.”

“Your eyes have mesmerized me so much…Almost like you're an intelligence.”

Andrew Hugg, a U.S. Chief of Chemical Nuclear Surety, was caught on hidden camera casually revealing sensitive information to a stranger in a public restaurant. Andrew Hugg, Chief of Chemical Nuclear Surety, in charge of nuclear and chemical safety was caught on hidden camera releasing information regarding the U.S. Nuclear Information. He claims the U.S. still possesses nerve agents and says a U.S. Army chemist recently died from exposure.

He also acknowledges U.S. airstrikes have killed children in Iran, calling it “collateral damage,” and revealed to the journalist how nuclear launch decisions are made in real time.

Hugg described how the United States could assassinate Iran’s next leader if he “doesn’t change,” while admitting the U.S. has no plans to use nuclear weapons: “We’re not going to nuke anybody.”

All of this was casually revealed to an undercover journalist in a restaurant. This raises serious questions about this official's judgment, security, and what’s really happening behind closed doors.

We have reached out to the Pentagon and U.S. Army for comment and they are working on a response.

@USArmy @DeptofWar

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Libya fueled war in Sudan with Colombian mercenaries and equipment, UN report finds.

An armed group in Libya helped the transfer of former Colombian military personnel to fight with the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group against the Sudanese military, according to a United Nations report released days after the third anniversary of the start of the war in Sudan.

Libya’s Subul al-Salam Battalion facilitated the transfer of recruits, including Colombian mercenaries, weapons and fuel across the border to support the RSF, adding to the chaos of the devastating conflict.

The Sudanese paramilitary group also benefited from an airbase in Kufra and other facilities that were used as transit points for Colombian fighters and as sites for the modification of vehicles imported through Libya, the experts found.

https://t.co/T3opAtO5z9

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Dave McIntosh, a private security contractor who managed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites, has blown the whistle on Israeli war crimes at Gaza aid sites, in his first ever sit down interview.

Reports from mid-2025 described the situation for Palestinians in Gaza, particularly around aid distribution sites, as a "real-life Squid Game" or a "deadly red light, green light" scenario, where civilians risk being shot by Israeli forces while attempting to obtain food. This comparison refers to a desperate, forced, and fatal struggle for survival, rather than a voluntary game.

https://t.co/mRGKCHsI9c

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

US Navy Secretary Phelan fired as latest departure of a top defense official meanwhile the naval blockade of Iran continues.

[The Associated Press @AP]

BREAKING: The Pentagon says Navy Secretary John Phelan has left the Trump administration, marking the latest departure of a top defense leader. https://t.co/o4xmNVMR8B

[EL_Rigas @El_Rigas]

Reuters first reported Pakistan strikes a deal of $4 Bln to sell weapons to Haftar's government in the east of Libya, back in Dec. 2025.

The weapons sale and supply has been part of a Saudi funded deal.

At least five cargo planes flights from Pakistan carrying weapons were unloaded at Benghazi airport in March. 2026.