On 28 January, tensions boiled over between Emad Trabelsi’s General Security Force (GSF) and the Special Deterrence Force (Rada). On 26 January, clashes occurred between the 55 Battalion, aligned with the GNA Ministry of Defence, and the 3 Unit, aligned with the GNA Ministry of Interior. On 29 January, reports in local Libyan media claimed that the UN-mediated 5+5 Joint Military Committee (JMC) would hold its second meeting in Sirte on 4 February.

On 19-20 January, representatives from the HoR and the HCS met in Egypt and agreed to hold a referendum on a constitutional proposal before the national elections scheduled for 24 December 2021. On 23 January, delegations from the HoR and HCS also met in Morocco, to discuss the implementation of some sort of “power sharing” agreement between Libya’s regions. On 23 January, a senior GNA military delegation met with the Chadian president to discuss organised crime, terrorism, and illegal immigration. On 24 January, the GNA Ministry of Interior deployed forces to Tarhouna following riots and destruction of property.

On 12 January, the GNA’s Defence Minister reportedly sign so-called ‘code of honour’ agreement with the GNA’s Chief of Staff, and the commanders of the GNA’s western, central and Tripoli military zones. This step is meant to quiet otherwise rising intra-Tripolitanian militia tensions. On 18 January, the Head of the GNA appointed the leaders of the ‘Stability Support Apparatus’, a new entity to undertake operations related to national security issues.

On 8 January, the GNA Minister of Interior announced the launch of Operation ‘Snake Hunting’ to target militants and human smugglers in Libya’s western region. On 9 January, senior figures in western Libya issued a joint statement reiterating their support for a new transitional National Unity Government to prepare the national elections planned for 24 December 2021.

On 29 December, the HoR-aligned government in eastern Libya temporarily appointed a new chief for the Internal Security Department, Brigadier General Muhammed Hassan Kamil al-Tarhouni. On 31 December, the GNA issued a decree allocating 1 billion LYD to its Ministry of Defence. On 3 January, armed skirmishes occurred in Sebha between the LNA and GNA-aligned forces. On 3 January, a Madkhali armed group attacked a cemetery in Surman.

On 24 December, Haftar called on Libyans to take up arms to remove Turkish forces from Libyan soil. On 23 December both the GNA and the LNA issued statements accusing each other of mobilising on the Sirte-Jufra frontline. On 25 December, GNA-aligned forces and the LNA conducted a prisoner exchange.