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.
3 June – 9 June: Two potential ISIS attacks in Southern Libya
On 3 June, a man identified as a GECOL employee was killed by masked men in Taraghin in southern Libya. On 6 June, an unidentified armed group launched an attack on the LNA held Triangle Checkpoint in Sebha. Both attacks were potentially conducted by ISIS.
3 June – 9 June: France kills emir of AQIM
On 5 June, French forces killed the emir of AQIM in northern Mali.
3 June – 9 June: Sisi announces new peace initiative for Libya
On 6 June, Egyptian President Abdul Fatah al-Sisi, flanked by the head of the LNA, Khalifa Haftar, and Speaker of the HoR, Aqeela Saleh, announced a new peace initiative for Libya. Following this announcement, there has been a flurry of international activity and reaction.
3 June – 9 June: GNA announces liberation of Tripoli
On 3 June, GNA Prime Minister al-Serraj announced the complete liberation of Tripoli. On 5 June, GNA forces entered Tarhouna and Bani Walid. On 6 June, the GNA Sirte-Jufra Operations Room declared Operation “Paths of Victory” to capture Sirte and Jufra. On 9 June, the NOC proclaimed that LNA affiliated forces had entered the Sharara field and interrupted operations.
27 May – 2 June: ISIS claims new attacks in southern Libya
On 29 May, ISIS released its al-Naba issue no 236 in which they claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in southern Libya.
27 May – 2 June: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
27 May – 2 June: US commends Malta for seizure of counterfeit Libyan currency
On 29 May, the US State Department commended the Government of Malta’s for seizing counterfeit Libyan currency. On 30 May, Russia’s MFA issued a statement noting that a contract for the printing of Libyan dinars was signed in 2015. On 1 June, UNSG Guterres held a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. On 29 May, AFRICOM discussed training and exercise with Tunisia. On 30 May, Italian Prime Minister Conte spoke to the head of GNA, al-Serraj, and the next day he spoke to the head of the LNA, Haftar. On 1 June, French Foreign Minister Le Drian held a phone call with Serraj.
27 May – 2 June: UNSMIL releases statement claiming resumption of ceasefire talks
On 1 June, UNSMIL released a statement welcoming agreement from both the GNA and LNA to resume talks based on the 5 + 5 Joint Military Commission (JMC). On 27 May, the Speaker of the HoR, Saleh, met in al-Qubah with the LNA General Command. On 28 May, the GNA removed the Minister of Economy, al-Issawi.
20 May – 26 May: ISIS claims four attacks in Libya in May
On 21 May, ISIS’s al-Naba issue no. 235 claimed responsibility for three attacks in Libya. On 25 May, ISIS claimed responsibility for a VBIED attack in Taraghin. On 24 May, LNA stated that they had arrested suspected Syrian ISIS leader, Muhamad al-Ruwaidani aka al-Baidani in Tripoli.