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.
8-14 July: Egypt announces military drill
On 9 July, the Egyptian military said it had carried out a large-scale military drill near the Libyan border called ‘Hasm 2020.’ On 13 July, the Turkish Foreign Minister said that military preparations had been made to seize Sirte and Jufra airbase if the LNA did not withdraw from both locations. On 10 July, Aqeela Saleh met with the acting UN Envoy to discuss finding an inclusive political solution to the Libyan crisis. On 8 July, Russian Foreign Minister said Russia was working with Turkey on an immediate ceasefire agreement in Libya.
8-14 July: HOR approves Egyptian intervention in Libya
On 13 July, the HoR said that the Egyptian armed forces have the right to interfere in Libya should they see an imminent threat. On 13 July, Juwaili issued an official decree to create a new joint force to secure the western region. On 11 July, UNSMIL held a virtual meeting with the GNA MoI to discuss SSR and DDR efforts. On 12 July, Serraj met with the GNA military region commanders while LNA forces continued to mobilise to Sirte. On 8 and 9 July, clashes occurred between militias in Janzour that resulted in at least 10 people being killed.
1 July – 7 July: Two captures of alleged ISIS members
On 5 July, Misrata’s JSOR captured alleged ISIS fighter, Omar Dabbous. On 6 July, the GNA’s Ministry of Interior announced that the Criminal Investigation Department of the Zawiyya Security Directorate had captured an ISIS cell in Zawiyya.
1 July – 7 July: Families of detained BRSC fighters protest
On 28 June, families of BRSC fighters detained for fighting against the LNA in Benghazi protested outside the courts in Sidi Saleem.
1 July – 7 July: Turkish officials visit Tripoli
On 3 July, a Turkish delegation made an unannounced visit to Tripoli to meet with senior GNA officials. On 1 July, France temporarily withdrew its participation from NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian. On 3 July, the speaker of the HoR, Saleh, held a meeting in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister, Lavrov. On 1 July, a high-level US delegation undertook a meeting with LNA officials to discuss DDR initiatives. Also on 1 July, Saleh, met with Greek Foreign Minister, Dendias, in Tubruq.
1 July – 7 July: Attack on Watiya airbase
On 5 July, Watiya airbase was attacked, but no one has claimed responsibility. Over the last week, both the GNA and LNA forces have maintained their positions in Sirte, but there has been little active fighting. On 2 July, the GNA MoI Bashaagha announced that the new INTERPOL office in Tripoli had been opened.
24 June – 30 June: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
24 June – 30 June: Suspected AQ member arrested in Tripoli
On 23 June, the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Joint Security Operations Room, in cooperation with the GNA arrested a Tunisian national suspected of being an al-Qaeda member in Tripoli’s Old City. On 29 June, Macron accused Ankara of ‘importing’ jihadists to Libya.
24 June – 30 June: Foreign mercenaries enter Sharara oilfield
On 25 June, a convoy of Russian and other foreign mercenaries entered Sharara oilfield. On 26 June, French President Macron had a meeting with Russian President Putin where the two discussed Libya. On 24 June, the US State Department met virtually with the GNA’s Ministry of Interior to discuss DDR. On 25 June, France, Italy and Germany released a joint statement calling for an end to foreign interference in Libya.