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.
24 June – 30 June: NOC confirms ongoing negotiations to resume oil production
On 29 June, the NOC confirmed that there have been ongoing negotiations to resume oil production between the GNA, NOC and regional countries, under the supervision of the UN and the US. The same day, the Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of Libyan Sheikhs & Elders announced their demands for ending the oil shutdown. On 29 June, the head of the Libyan Council of Elders called for demonstrations against Turkey’s interference. Over the last week there has been a continued build up by both the GNA and LNA forces west and east of Sirte respectively. Also last week, the head of the LNA, Haftar, had a meeting with the eastern-based parallel government to discuss the monitoring of HR violations by groups in western Libya.
17 June – 23 June: Sisi threatens to invade Libya
On 20 June, Egyptian President al-Sisi stated that Egypt has the legitimate right to intervene in Libya. In the wake of Sisi’s statements, many of the foreign actors involved in Libya have released statements. On 22 June, the US NSC stressed the need to build on the UN’s 5 +5 talks, the Cairo initiative, and the Berlin process. The same day, the head of the GNA, al-Serraj, hosted a closed-door meeting in Zuwara with a US AFRICOM delegation. Also on 22 June, the UNHRC adopted a resolution strongly condemning all acts of violence in Libya and urging the UN to dispatch a fact-finding mission to the country.
17 June – 23 June: Attack by Libyan claimed to be terrorist act
On 20 June, Libyan national Saadallah was arrested after stabbing multiple people in a park in Reading. He was initially arrested on suspicion of murder, but he has now been rearrested under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
17 June – 23 June: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
17 June – 23 June: LNA declares no-fly zone
On 21 June, the LNA spokesperson al-Mismari declared a no-fly zone in an area from east of Sirte until the al-Heesa village in the west. On 20 June, Egyptian President al-Sisi warned not to push beyond the current Sirte-Jufra frontlines. The same day, Turkish presidential spokesman, Kalin, stated that the LNA must withdraw from Sirte in order for a ceasefire to be facilitated.
10 June – 16 June: Reinforcement of positions in Sirte
Over the last week, forces aligned to the GNA have reinforced positions to the west of Sirte, while LNA forces have reinforced positions inside Sirte. On 9 June, the LNA restructured its command of operations near Sirte. On 12 June, the GNA Western Military Region Commander, Usama al-Juwaili, expanded his control over large areas of Zintan.
10 June – 16 June: Russia and Turkey postpone Libya talks
On 14 June, the planned talks on Libya between Russian FM Lavrov and Russian Defence Minister Shogu and their Turkish counterparts were delayed. On 10 June, Egyptian President al-Sisi and US President Trump spoke about the Libya file over the phone. The same day, UNSMIL said that the GNA and LNA delegations were “fully engaged” in the third round of JMC 5+5. On 12 June, the Turkish Ministry of Defence announced that it conducted an 8-hour long coordinated Open Sea Training exercise off the Libyan coast.
10 June – 16 June: Werfalli calls for jihad
On 14 June, a video emerged with LNA Commander al-Werfalli calling on LNA forces to take their actions to Sirte and lead an assault towards Misrata.
10 June – 16 June: ISIS claims attack on Tamenhint
On 11 June, ISIS claimed responsibility for a rocket attack against the LNA forces at Tamenhint airbase via its al-Naba newsletter no.238.