The situation is changing rapidly in Libya, with rebel fighters moving swiftly through the north-west of the country.  Rebels have moved into many parts of the capital but there are still pockets of resistance. With clashes ongoing the situation should be regarded as both fluid and hazardous, although the longer-term prospects for the country are still positive.

 

Current Risks

Reports indicate the presence of snipers but the accuracy of their fire cannot be determined. Nonetheless, sporadic gunfire should be considered a risk throughout the city while sources also indicate the use of RPGs. There is heavy fighting ongoing around the fortified Bab al-Aziziyah compound and the area of the Rixos hotel where many foreign media personnel are currently based.

 

Stray Bullets

As night falls celebratory gunfire is also being reported in many areas, including central Tripoli and beyond the capital in cities such as Benghazi and numerous recently liberated urban areas. Personnel are advised to maintain a low profile and minimise movements as far as possible. Try to stay under hard cover to avoid being caught out by stray bullets. Those who do venture outside should consider taking personal protective equipment although note that this may mark you out as a potential target for attack.

 

Longer-term Prospects

For the time being, the situation in Libya should be considered fluid and potentially hazardous. For the longer-term, however, companies should continue to regard it as a major investment opportunity. The proximity to major markets in Europe, potential for international support and of course the country’s extensive reserves of oil, gas and foreign exchange mean that once the current instability is contained the coming years could see economic expansion and the emergence of numerous economic opportunities in the country.

 

John Drake is a senior risk consultant with AKE, a British security and risk mitigation company helping various sectors do business in some of the more hostile parts of the world. If you would like to sign up for AKE’s free updates on the situation in Libya you can do so here. For a free trial of AKE’s intelligence products please click here. You can also follow John Drake on twitter here.