Libyan Premier Vows to Dismantle Unofficial Armed Groups

(MENAFN) Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to enforcing its ongoing security strategy and intends to press forward with efforts to dismantle unofficial armed groups and militias.

In a recent interview with a broadcaster, aired on Monday, Dbeibeh stressed the government's firm stance on restoring state authority and security.

He explained that these armed factions surfaced after 2011 as a result of deteriorating security conditions. Crucially, these groups are not aligned with Libya’s official defense and interior ministries.

“We are continuing our security plan. We will not back down from eliminating militias and armed formations. Whoever does not want war to be declared against them must abide by the state, its institutions and laws,” Dbeibeh stated.

The prime minister expressed disappointment that these armed entities had not integrated into the country's official institutions as initially hoped.

“What these armed groups are doing is a coup against the state, not the government,” he remarked, highlighting the threat they pose to national sovereignty.

Dbeibeh also revealed that authorities have confiscated aircraft allegedly used by these groups for unlawful operations.

He noted that only a few such groups remain—perhaps two or three—yet they function as highly structured criminal networks.

“The weapons in the hands of these formations are more than the weapons in the hands of the state and have been used to blackmail official institutions,” he added.

He further pointed out that the chief prosecutor has issued approximately 125 arrest warrants for individuals connected to the Rada militia, currently operating near Mitiga Airport.

Dbeibeh underscored that the state will persist in its efforts to combat all armed factions that fall outside the authority of the police and military forces.

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