Dbeibah defends Tripoli security operation

In a televised address Saturday evening, Libya’s Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah defended recent security operations in Tripoli, characterising them as necessary steps to combat powerful militia influence in the capital.

Speaking to the nation, Dbeibah explained he had delayed his statement to prevent misinterpretation that could potentially inflame tensions further.

“These militias have grown to the point where they’re even bigger than the country itself,” Dbeibah said. “When our government took office, this was the stark reality we were faced with.”

The Prime Minister specifically mentioned a militia leader identified as “Ghenwa,” claiming this individual controlled six of the nation’s banks from a base in a densely populated area and had allegedly interfered with medicine imports from Iraq after pressuring the Health Minister.

Dbeibah characterised the security operation in Abu Salim district as “successful” and “swift,” emphasising it resulted in no casualties despite the area’s high population density.

“To the people of Abu Salim, I say that the injustice you’ve endured has been lifted, and I will be supporting your area even more robustly than before,” he stated. Following the operation, the government appointed a new head of the Internal Security Agency, who Dbeibah said would “ensure that no one suffers unfair treatment” moving forward.

The Prime Minister acknowledged errors in the implementation of security measures the day following the Abu Salim operation, describing them as “hasty” attempts to reassert state authority.

Rejecting suggestions he was fomenting conflict, Dbeibah stated: “If I had been planning for war, I would have been out there from my home in Ben Ashour, right in the thick of the clashes.”

In his address, the Prime Minister pointed to achievements during his four years in office and expressed optimism about reducing militia influence. “For the first time, I can say that you have genuine hope of being rid of these militias, and the aspiration for a state governed by law and proper institutions is very close to becoming a reality.”

Dbeibah offered militia members the opportunity to integrate into state institutions while warning that those who “persist in blackmail and corruption would be held to account.”

Addressing recent protests, the Prime Minister claimed that while some demonstrations represented “genuine expressions of concern,” others were “orchestrated and paid for.” He also asserted that the “majority of the international community” supported the government’s security operations, saying he had received “numerous calls expressing support” and met with multiple foreign delegations who recognised “a real chance to finally put an end to these oppressive militias.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​