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.
12 – 18 August: German FM leads diplomatic initiative
On 17 August, a German delegation led by Foreign Minister Maas began a two-day trip to Tripoli and Abu Dhabi. The same day Qatari Defence Minister, al-Attiyah, Turkish Defence Minister Akar travelled to Tripoli to meet with senior GNA officials. Also on 17 August, Russian President Putin and Turkish President Erdogan held a phone call. On 14 August, Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zakharova claimed that Russia and Turkey would be holding negotiations on Libya. On 12 August, US Ambassador Norland visited Ankara, where he met with senior Turkish officials.
12 – 18 August: Haftar promotes 448 LNA officers
On 12 August, head the LNA, Haftar, promoted 448 LNA officers. On 13 August, photographs outside of Khoms Port purportedly showed a Turkish G-class frigate. The same day, Turkey and the GNA signed a MoU outlining enhanced economic cooperation. On 11 August, a security breach in Jalu prompted the formation of a joint-security room.
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.