Libyan actors
Tracking developments of Libyan Actors in Libya’s security space including armed group activity, state security operations and political activities pertaining to Libya’s security.
High-level security meeting discusses situation in Zawiyya as GNU continues drone strikes
On 30 May, Presidential Council (PC) Head Muhammad al-Menfi, PC Deputy President Abdullah al-Lafi, Government of National Unity (GNU) Prime Minister Abdul Hameed Dabaiba, GNU-aligned Libyan Army Chief of Staff Mohamed al-Haddad and Western Coast Military District...
International concerns over use of weapons in Zawiyya’s civilian areas
On 29 May, the US said it is closely monitoring the situation ‘with concern amid reports of weapons being used in civilian areas.’ It called on Libyan leaders to de-escalate and protect civilian lives. The UK said that ‘the use of weapons that puts civilian lives at...
Misrata Appeals court sentences ISIS members to death and imprisonment
On 29 May, the Misrata Appeals Court sentenced 35 ISIS members to death, most of whom are Libyan citizens. Others received sentences ranging from life imprisonment to several years in prison. Foreign members under the age of 18 were sentenced to 10 years, deported...
Clashes erupt between Rada and 444 Brigade in Tripoli
On 28 May, fighting took place at several locations in Tripoli between the Special Deterrence Force (Rada) Rada and the 444 Brigade, including the use of heavy infantry weapons. It is understood that a series of tit-for-tat incidents led to the clashes. It had calmed...
UNSMIL ‘closely monitoring’ situation in Zawiyya
On 26 May, UNSMIL said that it was ‘in contact with the concerned national authorities’ about the airstrikes in Zawiyya and would continue to monitor the situation closely. The statement noted the urgent need for Libya to unify to ensure safety and stability and...
GNU praises ‘precision strikes’ on criminal targets in Zawiyya amid condemnation
On 25 May, the Government of National Unity (GNU) Ministry of Defence (MoD) claimed responsibility for several drone strikes which took place against several targets in Zawiyya and the surrounding area earlier that day. The GNU MoD said that the attacks were carried...
Security Working Group of the Berlin Process meets in Libya for first time
On 24 May, UN Special Envoy to Libya Abdoulaye Bathily and Turkish Ambassador to Libya Kenan Yilmaz co-chaired the first plenary session of the Security Working Group of the Berlin Process International Follow-Up Committee on Libyan soil. The meeting was attended by...
Tensions in Zawiyya continue as another ultimatum issued to the GNU
On 22 May, protesters in Zawiyya gave the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Presidential Council (PC) a 24-hour ultimatum to improve the security situation in the city and move against the armed militias. If their demands are not met within 24 hours, they...
Haddad heads high-level military delegation to Rome
On 22 May, GNU Chief of Staff Muhammad al-Haddad led a high-level military delegation to Rome, where he met with Italy’s Chief of the Defense Staff, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, and discussed training and cooperation opportunities. He also met with Defence Minister...