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.
18 February – 3 March: ISIS operatives arrested in Derna
On 28 February, reports emerged on social media that three ISIS operatives were arrested in Derna.
18 February – 3 March: Kadyrov claims Dabaiba will train Libyan special forces in Chechnya
On 22 February, the President of the Chechen Republic discussed training for Libyan special forces with Libya’s Prime Minister designate. On 23 February, the UN Office of Military Affairs and Police stated it had the capacity to monitor the Libyan ceasefire on the ground if this is requested by the UN. On 27 February, The Times reported that that Wagner PMCs ‘no longer pretend to work for Haftar and the LNA’.
18 February – 3 March: UN report details LPDF bribery allegations
On 28 February, AFP stated that a report submitted to the UNSC Sanctions Committee contains details of the alleged attempts at bribery that shook the LPDF. On 27 February, the GNA issued arrest warrants against those accused of mass killings in Tarhouna. On 1 March, the Tripoli Primary Prosecution Office declared that the incident in Janzour involving Fathi Bashaagha, was a ‘traffic accident’. On 2 March, fighters led by Mahmoud al-Werfalli reportedly attacked a Toyota car dealership in Benghazi and threatened to kill the company’s director.
16 – 23 February: alleged ISIS threat on HoR gathering in Sabratha
On 14 February, a state of alert was issued following reports that ISIS was planning a Vehicle Borne IED (VBIED) attack in Sabratha.
16 – 23 February: Haftar hired western mercenaries headed by ex-Blackwater Erik Prince
On 21 February, Reuters revealed that a report submitted to the UNSC states that Erik Prince provided private military services to the LNA. This week, members of the 5+5 JMC travelled to Moscow to discuss the ‘unofficial Russia presence’ in Libya via the Wagner Group. Reports also emerged that technicals belonging to Sudanese mercenaries departed Libya.
16 – 23 February: alleged assassination attempt on the GNA Minister of Interior Fathi Bashaagha
Violence occurred at celebrations to mark the 17 February 2011 uprisings in Sebha and Sirte. On 16 February, during patrols near Ghadduwah a mass grave was uncovered of individuals believed to have been killed by ISIS. On 17 February, the LNA 166 Brigade reportedly killed a member of the Sirte Criminal Investigations Department. On 21 February, there was an alleged assassination attempt on GNA MoI Fathi Bashaagha.
10 – 17 February: No relevant developments
No relevant developments.
10 – 17 February: Egyptian Delegation Arrives in Tripoli to Reopen Embassy
On 8 February, the Russian Foreign Minister, spoke to the new Prime Minister designate for Libya and the new President of the Presidency Council. On 15 February, an Egyptian delegation arrived in Tripoli to explore the reopening of the Egyptian embassy in the Libyan capital.
10 – 17 February: Mohammed Menfi embarks on a tour of eastern Libya
On 11 February, the new President of the PC embarked on a tour of eastern Libya. On 13 February, reports circulated about the arrest of Khalid Bu Lugaib, a prominent militia leader. On 13 February, the Misrata Third Force closed the Dafniyya gate. On 15 February, the new Prime Minister designate, confirmed that his cabinet will be ready before the 21-day deadline for forming the government.