Attack on Central Bank in Libya

Libya, a North African nation of 6.8 million, continues to grapple with the aftermath of the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The country remains politically fragmented, with a UN-recognized government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east led by military strongman Khalifa Haftar. Despite a semblance of calm in recent years, violence persists, as evidenced by recent clashes that resulted in nine deaths and numerous injuries among armed groups affiliated with the Tripoli government. U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland has condemned attempts to forcibly remove government officials, particularly targeting the controversial figure of Kabir, who has been in office since 2012. Norland warned that such actions could jeopardize Libya's access to international financial markets, highlighting the ongoing risks stemming from the political stalemate. Kabir has faced criticism regarding the management of the country’s oil resources and budget, with dissent emerging even from allies of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah. Recent developments from the eastern parliament indicate a push to challenge the legitimacy of the Tripoli government. The Tobruk-based parliament has declared the Tripoli administration "illegitimate" and has sought to diminish the authority of the Presidential Council, which was established under a 2021 UN transition agreement. This move suggests a strategic effort to influence international negotiations regarding Libya's governance. Political analyst Abdallah al-Rayes characterized the eastern parliament's military maneuvers as a "trial balloon" to assess both international reactions and the military readiness of Tripoli's authorities, underscoring the fragile state of Libya's political landscape.