Libya: Mayor of Misrata killed December 17

Event

Misrata Mayor Mohammad Eshtewi is dead after he and his brother were shot by unidentified assailants as they were leaving Misrata Airport (MRA) on Sunday, December 17. Some sources have reported that Eshtewi was first abducted before being murdered, and that his body was found in the street later that night, but details have not been confirmed. According to the hospital where he is being treated, Eshtewi’s brother survived the incident but is currently in critical condition. The perpetrators of the attack remain unknown.

Context

Libya has been divided into rival governments and factions with their own militias and political parties since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The security situation in Libya remains precarious and there is little to no sign of a return of relative stability in the near-term.

Although the city of Misrata is considered one of Libya’s safest cities and a key access point for food and other imports into the country, the risk of terrorism and other forms of violent crime remains high. In October 2017, a suicide bombing claimed by Islamic State (IS) struck the main court building in the city, killing four people.

Advice

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.