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.
9-15 December: No relevant developments
No relevant developments.
9-15 December: Manchester bomber alleged to have received training from Libyan militias
On 8 December, the Guardian reported that the Manchester Arena bomber, Salman Abedi, may have trained and fought with Islamist militias in Libya during the 2011 revolution.
9-15 December: Turkey to extend troop deployment in Libya for 18 months
On 10 December, the LNA spokesman declared that Libya was in a ‘state of war’ with Turkey. On 10 December, the GNA released two Russian citizens who had been held on charges of election meddling. On 12 December, the Turkish presidency submitted a motion to the Turkish parliament to extend troop deployment in Libya.
9-15 December: GNA Defence Minister claims that the LNA has violated the ceasefire agreement
On 11 December, the GNA Defence Minister claimed in an interview that the LNA had violated its ceasefire agreement with the GNA. On 12 December, the ‘former’ commander of the TRB, Haithem Tajouri, returned to Libya. On 14 December, 32 members of the LPDF threatened to resign.
1-8 December: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
1-8 December: No relevant developments
No relevant developments.
1-8 December: Increased international military engagement
Over the last week, there have been signs that international actors are stepping up military engagement, potentially violating the permanent ceasefire agreement. On 4 December, the GNA signed a military cooperation agreement with Italy to strengthen capacities in training and health care activities. On 6 December, the SOHR reported that Turkey was preparing to send a new batch of Syrian fighters to Libya. On the same day, a document surfaced dating back to November revealing that 1,200 soldiers from the Sudanese paramilitary RSF were given permission to be deployed at Jufra airbase.
1-8 December: LNA mobilized to capture military camp in Ubari
Over the last week, the LNA strengthened its defenses and mobilized troops, particularly on the Sirte-Jufra axis. On 5 December, the Libyan Revolutionaries Leadership Gathering held a conference in Zawiyya where it ‘urged all Libyan authorities to work toward activating the role of the Libyan National Guard’. On 6 December, the LNA issued a decree calling on its troops on the Sirte-Jufra frontlines to assume ‘a state of readiness.’. On the same day, the LNA mobilised in preparation to capture a military camp in Ubari. On 8 December, LNA forces detained a Turkish ship, which was apparently transporting medical products to Misrata port.
25 November – 1 December: US sanctions Kaniyat
On 25 November, the US unilaterally blacklisted the Kaniyat militia. On 24 November, Speaker of the HoR, Saleh, arrived in Moscow to meet with Russian officials. On 23 November, the 5+5 JMC met with the Security Working Group formed through the so-called Berlin process of January 2020 to brief the international community.