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.
5 – 11 August: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
5 – 11 August: BDB commander allegedly in Turkey
On Libyan social media a photo of BDB commander Ziyad Balaam in Turkey is circulated with a new prosthetic limb.
5 – 11 August: US policy makers urge for demilitarised solution for Sirte and Jufra
On 4 August, US National Security Advisor O’Brien said President Trump had discussed the need to de-escalate the situation in Libya in phone calls with French President Macron, Egyptian President al-Sisi and Emirati Crown Prince Bin Zayed. On 7 August, a high-level US delegation held separate, virtual discussions with GNA National Security Advisor and HoR Foreign Affairs Committee Chair. On 10 August, Norland met with Egyptian officials in Cairo. On the same day, Norland met with HoR Speaker Aqeela Saleh. On 6 August, Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusolgu and Maltese Foreign Minister Bartolo met with al-Serraj. The same day, Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry and his Greek counterpart Dendias announced the signing of a maritime demarcation deal. On 10 August, Germany, France and Italy reportedly moved ahead with plans to impose sanctions on violators of the UN arms embargo.
5 – 11 August: GNA and LNA continue to build up forces near Sirte and Jufra
Over the last week, both the GNA and LNA have continued to build up forces near Sirte and Jufra. On 5 August, the GNA officials met with the Italian Defence Minister, Lorenzo Guerini. On 6 August, Haftar, met with the LNA Operation Room and Military Region Commanders in Benghazi. On 7 August, the TPF released a statement condemning the Muslim Brotherhood. On 8 August, al-Serraj, met with the Audit Bureau, Anti-Corruption Commission and Administrative Control Authority.
29 July – 4 August: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
29 July – 4 August: Journalist convicted on vague terrorism charges
On 31 July, a military court in Ajdabiya sentenced Ismail Bouzreeba al-Zway, a local photojournalist, to 15 years in prison on charges related to Islamist ‘terrorism.’
29 July – 4 August: Russia and Turkey claim to be holding a third round of Libya consultations soon
On 30 July, the deputy spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Zaytsev, stated that Russia and Turkey would be holding a third round of consultations in Moscow. On 27 July, Turkish Defence Minister Akar said that continued external military support represents the ‘greatest obstacle to peace’ in Libya. On 30 July, the US House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee agreed to amendments to the ‘Libya Stabilisation Act’ and unanimously approved the bill. On 27 July, US Chargé d’Affaires Harris travelled to Misrata and two days later travelled to Benghazi. On 4 August, the German Hamburg frigate went to support the EU’s Operation Irini to enforce the UN arms embargo.
29 July – 4 August: LNA leader Haftar tours LNA units
Over last week, the head of the LNA, Haftar, toured LNA units. LNA spokesman al-Mismari stated that a ceasefire could be implemented only after Turkey leaves Libya ‘completely’. Over the last week, tensions in Sirte still remained high and clashes broke out in Zawiyya. On 29 July, Libya’s PC said that it had formed a committee to investigate the visit of French writer Bernard-Henri Lévy to Libya. On 28 July, Libyan Ambassador to the UN al-Sunni criticised the ‘selective’ approach of the UN sanctions committee. On 27 July, the Speaker of the HoR, Saleh, met with his Moroccan counterpart and the following day, the head of the HCS, al-Mishri, spoke at a press conference in Rabat and said that the HCS and the Tubruq-based HoR have the potential to reach a political solution.
22 – 28 July: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.