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.
11-16 March: Armed groups exchange fire in Tripoli
On 9 March, the TPF militia called on the HoR to pass a vote of confidence in the cabinet list presented by Dabaiba. On 11-12 March, armed groups exchanged fire in Tripoli. On 14 March, clashes occurred at a checkpoint in Bani Walid between the 444 Brigade and armed civilians. On 15–16 March, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) met to discuss progress on the military track of the peace process.
ISIS families sent back to Tunisia
On 18 March, the Tripoli Attorney-General’s Office stated that ten women and 14 children detained during the recapture of Sirte from ISIS have been repatriated to Tunisia. The group was handed over to Tunisian authorities at the Ras Ajdir border crossing. The...
03 – 10 March: Arrest of six alleged ISIS members across western Libya
On 4 March, six ISIS members in Zliten, Qarbouli, Tripoli and Zawiya were reportedly arrested.
3 – 10 March: Pro-Assad Syrian mercenaries deployed by Wagner in Libya
On 3 March, Israel’s Environment Protection Minister claimed a ‘Libyan-owned pirate vessel’ committed an “act of environmental terrorism” against Israel. On 4 March, the Head UNSMIL met the Russian Foreign in Moscow to discuss political and economic developments in Libya. On 5 March, reports emerged that the Russian Wagner PMC has transferred a new group of mercenaries from Syria to fight in Libya.
3 – 10 March: Libya’s HOR endorses Dabaiba’s Government of National Unity
On 4 March, the Tripoli headquarters of the Administrative Control Authority was attacked by an armed group. On 10 March, the HoR passed a vote of confidence in the cabinet presented by Prime Minister designate, Abdul Hameed Dabaiba.
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.