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.
Clashes break out in Al-Ajilat
On 3 January, it was reported that clashes between the Balkour militia and al-Mashreqi militia broke out in the al-Matmar area of al-Ajilat. According to reports, light and medium weapons were deployed. The Red Crescent advised residents to stay indoors while all...
Saif Qadhadi’s candidacy for the presidency confirmed by his lawyer
On 2 January reports circulated that Saif al-Islam Qadhadi’s lawyer, Khaled al-Zaidi, gave a legal briefing claiming that Saif would be able to run as a presidential candidate. Al-Zaidi said that he had obtained two court rulings, one guaranteeing Saif as a voter and...
Mass grave with 18 bodies found in Sirte
On 1 January, Libya’s Missing Persons Authority reported that 18 bodies were found buried in a mass grave in the Sabaa area of Sirte, a former stronghold of ISIS. According to the statement, the Missing Persons Authority collected bone samples to help identify the...
Libyan Coast Guard intercepts boat carrying 700 migrants off coast of Moura
On 30 December, the Libyan Coast Guard reported that they had intercepted a boat carrying at least 700 migrants off the coast of Moura, 90km west of Benghazi. According to the Libyan Coast Guard, the migrants found to have entered Libya illegally would be handed over...
LNA pilot killed in Syria plane crash
On 29 December, Syrian media reported that a Libyan pilot was killed when an L-39 jet crashed in the vicinity of Kuweires Military Airport, east of Aleppo, Syria which is under the control of the Assad regime. The plane was reportedly on a training exercise and...
UNSMIL rejects ‘fake news’ about Bathily’s readiness to announce a new roadmap
On 28 December 2022, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) released a statement rejecting ‘fake news’ that UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Abdoulaye Bathily was planning to announce a new roadmap and form a new Libyan government. UNSMIL...
Haftar gives speech at Benghazi rally, announces ‘final opportunity’ to draw election roadmap
On 24 December, the Head of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar gave a speech at a rally in Benghazi where he declared ‘a final opportunity’ for the country’s political elite to formalise a roadmap for holding elections. Haftar stated that ‘only Libyans are...
Pushback against Joint Force in Misrata
In recent weeks there have been signs of a pushback against the Joint Operations Force (JOF) in Misrata. On 20 December, the Mayor and local leaders from Misrata issued a statement criticising the JOF for its role in kidnapping and intimidating citizens. The statement...
33 former IS members found guilty of crimes in Sabratha, 17 sentenced to death
On 19 December, the Attorney General issued a statement declaring the end of the Tripoli Criminal Court’s trial of 33 individuals accused of being former members of the Islamic State (IS). The defendants stood accused of conducting armed attacks in Sabratha,...