TRIPOLI–Libya’s parliament speaker, a longtime ally of eastern military strongman Khalifa Haftar, was ousted from his post on Tuesday after 12 years in office, analysts say, which could mark a shift in political power in the divided eastern part of the country. Members of the House of Representatives voted to replace Agila Saleh with Al-Salhin Abdelnabi Al-Obeidi, the parliament’s spokesman announced on X. Libya has been plagued by violence and instability since the 2011 fall of Muammar Qaddafi, and is divided between the UN-backed Government of National Unity in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and a rival administration in the east supported by Haftar. More News: Libya is upgrading its border security with advanced screening systems The eastern administration is dependent on the parliament, which meets in the city of Benghazi, under Haftar’s control. Saleh, 82, was considered a loyal member of the Haftar family for years. However,...

DUBAI: Houthi attacks have injured 73 people, including women and children, in several cities and towns across Saudi Arabia, a military spokesman said on Tuesday, as the Kingdom vowed to take measures to counter the group and protect its territory. Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, described the latest escalation and attempts to target Saudi territory and infrastructure as “dangerous,” saying the attacks reflected what he called the Houthis’ “hostile and irresponsible” approach. Al-Maliki said the latest attacks targeted civilian and economic sites in the Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, leaving 73 civilians injured. More News: Arab League Pushes for Libyan Consensus as Political Divisions Persist He accused the Houthis of deliberately targeting Saudi national infrastructure and civilian facilities, describing the attacks as a violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and a direct threat to the safety of its citizens...

BEIJING – China has provided technical support and special training to the Government of National Unity (GNU) Interior Ministry to enhance its capacity in combating organized crime, drug trafficking and psychotropic substances. During the meeting in Beijing, Qi Yanjun, Vice Minister of Public Security and Director of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, made the offer to GNU Interior Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi. Read News: Houthi Attacks Injure 73 Civilians in Saudi Arabia, Kingdom Vows Response The two officials discussed the possibilities of further developing security cooperation between Libya and China, such as strengthening the cooperation in policing and law enforcement and sharing of experience and expertise. The meeting was held during Al-Trabelsi’s attendance at the 2026 Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, which is taking place in Lianyungang from September 8 to 10. The talks were aimed at enhancing bilateral security cooperation and establishing mechanisms for the exchange of knowledge and...

TRIPOLI: On Wednesday, Libya’s Presidential Council head Mohamed Al-Menfi met with a delegation of notables, elders, civil society, elites and community leaders from the eastern, western and southern parts of the country to discuss Libya’s political, economic and security challenges. The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Presidential Council in Tripoli on the developments in the country and the work to be done to move the political process forward and to end the long transitional period and establish conditions for a stable future through comprehensive presidential and parliamentary elections. Read News: China Moves to Boost Libya’s Security Capabilities With Technical, Training Support The talks highlighted the importance of holding elections in which all Libyans can vote without exception or exclusion under a single civil authority, the Council’s media office said. Al-Menfi stated that the Presidential Council is steadfast in its determination to put an end to the transitional...

The US Department of State has maintained its Level 4: Do Not Travel travel advisory for Libya due to ongoing security risks throughout the country. The department advised US citizens not to travel to Libya due to the potential for crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. It also pointed to the high prevalence of weapons and the potential for any time clashes to occur between armed groups and forces supporting the authorities. The State Department reports that kidnappings and assassinations have occurred in various regions of Libya, and criminal networks are engaged in drug, people and goods trafficking. US citizens could also be among those targeted for kidnapping, it warned. Read News: Libya’s Al-Menfi Rejects Prolonged Transition, Calls for Unified State Institutions The department also warned of potential terrorist attacks with no warning, and that demonstrations could become violent and interfere with transportation and essential services. Landmines and unexploded ordnance...

RIYADH, September 17, 2026: Condemnations have poured in following Saudi Arabia’s announcement that its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca, with the Saudi-led coalition warning that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims is a “red line.” The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca, calling the Saudi account false. Saudi coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki al-Maliki said the drone was intercepted on Tuesday evening before it entered the restricted airspace over Mecca. He described the incident as the second reported Houthi attempt to target the holy city, following a 2017 ballistic missile incident, and warned that the coalition would take necessary measures against further attacks. More News: US Warns Americans Against Libya Travel Amid Kidnapping, Terrorism and Civil Unrest The Houthis rejected the accusation. Hazam al-Assad, a member of the group’s political bureau, dismissed Riyadh’s claim as a “worn-out lie,” while a Houthi military...

Travel entry requirements differ from one country to another, but several destinations have introduced relatively straightforward procedures for eligible foreign visitors, including visa-free entry or longer permitted stays. Georgia, Serbia and Thailand are among the countries offering such arrangements, although the conditions and length of stay depend on the traveler’s nationality and the type of travel document held. Georgia Georgia offers visa-free entry to US citizens, allowing them to remain in the country for up to 365 days. The arrangement also permits eligible visitors to work and study during their stay. More News: Global Condemnation After Saudi Arabia Says Houthi Drone Targeted Mecca Despite the simplified entry process, travelers should meet Georgia’s other entry requirements. Tourists are required to have valid health and accident insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 Georgian lari, equivalent to roughly $11,000. For eligible visitors, entering Georgia is generally straightforward, with border authorities primarily checking...

WASHINGTON, September 17, 2026: US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose steep tariffs or restrict trade with the European Union if Brussels moves ahead with a proposal to make Canada the bloc’s first “associate member,” adding a new layer of tension to relations between Washington and Europe. Canada and Europe Seek Closer Ties Trade Relations Have Expanded Trump made the remarks after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen floated the proposal on the eve of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s scheduled address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Commenting on the plan, Trump told reporters that it was “ridiculous” and warned that if the European Union proceeded and he considered the move hostile, his administration could respond with “very severe tariffs” or halt trade with Europe, according to Agence France-Presse. Read More: Georgia, Serbia and Thailand Offer Simplified Travel Options for International Visitors Von der Leyen proposed elevating...

CAIRO – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met Aliko Dangote, founder and chairman of the Dangote Group and chairman of the Africa Entrepreneurs Initiative, on the sidelines of the El Alamein-Africa Business Forum in New Alamein City. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aaty. Presidential spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El Shenawy said Sisi welcomed Dangote’s visit to Egypt and his participation in the forum, while praising his contributions to economic development and industrialization across Africa. Sisi also highlighted the Dangote Group’s expansion across regional and international markets, particularly in the cement, fertilizer, energy and food industries. The group’s activities, he said, have helped strengthen production and industrial capacity in several African countries. The president also expressed Egypt’s appreciation for Dangote’s career and noted his background as a graduate of Al-Azhar University, describing it as a reflection of the longstanding historical and cultural ties among...

Al-Bunya Investment and Services Company, a subsidiary of the Libyan Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Company (LPTIC), has discussed the progress and goals of its ambitious 7,000 telecommunications towers project. Al-Bunya is implementing the project as part of a wider development strategy in line with LPTIC’s 2030 vision. LPTIC is the state-owned holding company that manages Libya’s telecom and postal services. Al-Bunya’s Ordinary General Assembly meeting on Thursday included a discussion on the 7,000 Towers Project, as well as a review of key operational, financial and strategic priorities by company officials. The company says the project aims to lower operational expenses and enhance the efficiency of managing and maintaining telecom infrastructure in Libya More News: Sisi Meets Dangote as Egypt Seeks Greater African Investment Cooperation Another important goal is to diversify revenue sources and improve the financial sustainability of the company, with the aim of increasing the investment value of...