Libya: Thousands protest in Benghazi July 5

Event

Thousands demonstrated in Benghazi (Cyrenaica region) on Sunday, July 5, to protest Turkey's intervention in Libya's civil war. Participants gathered in Al Kish Square and the protest seemingly remained peaceful, albeit amid a heightened security presence.

Further protests are possible in the near term.

Context

Turkish troops began moving into Libya in January in an effort to allegedly ensure the stability of the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). Several countries, including the US, condemned the intervention from Turkey.

Benghazi is a strong-hold of the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Khalifa Haftar, which is in opposition to the GNA in the civil war.

Advice

Those in Benghazi are advised to monitor developments, anticipate localized disruption, and heed any directives issued by local authorities. All demonstrations and political gatherings in Libya should be avoided due to the risk of incidental violence and aggressive crowd-dispersal operations by security forces.

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with appropriate security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.