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.
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.
22 – 28 July: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
22 – 28 July: Turkey and Russia announce that they are working toward a ceasefire in Libya
On 22 July, Turkey and Russia announced that they were working toward a ceasefire in Libya and would consider a joint working group on Libya, holding consultations in Moscow. The same day, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Shukry had held separate phone calls on Libya with his French and German counterparts. Also on 22 July, the spokesperson for the UNSG said that the UN was deeply concerned about the Egyptian Parliament’s recent decision to authorise the deployment of troops in Libya. On 18 July, French President Macron, German Chancellor Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Conte had issued a joint statement in threatening sanctions against violations to the UN arms embargo.
22 – 28 July: Africom accuses Russia of heavy weapons delivery
On 24 July, AFRICOM said it had mounting evidence for heavy weapons delivery from Russia to the Wagner Group in Libya. On 28 July, Head of UNSMIL, Stephanie Williams, announced the start of the international audit of the two branches of the CBL. Both the GNA and LNA forces continued to build up forces around Sirte last week
15 – 21 July: US Defence Department publishes report on Syrian fighters in Libya
On 16 July, a report published by the US Defence Department inspector general asserted that the Syrian fighters in Libya were ‘very likely’ motivated by money.
15 – 21 July: US Defence Department publishes report on Syrian fighters in Libya
On 16 July, a report published by the US Defence Department inspector general asserted that the Syrian fighters in Libya were ‘very likely’ motivated by money.
15 – 21 July: Africom verifies landmines and IED imagery allegedly laid by Wagner forces
On 15 July, Turkish President Erdogan and US President Trump agreed to strengthen their cooperation on Libya. The same day, AFRICOM said it had verified photographic evidence of landmines and IEDs allegedly found in Tripoli that had been laid by the Russian Wagner Group. On 16 July, US State Department Assistant Secretary Schenker described the EU mission to stop arms shipments to Libya as not being ‘serious’ and accused the EU of being ‘biased’ for only criticising Turkey. On 17 July, France rebuffed Schenker’s assertions. On 19 July, Egyptian president Sisi held a phone call with US President Trump in which the two leaders reportedly agreed on maintaining a ceasefire. On 20 July, Egypt’s parliament authorised the deployment of Egyptian troops on combat missions outside the country.
15 – 21 July: Libyan tribal chiefs authorise Egyptian intervention
On 16 July, Egyptian President Sisi met with a delegation of Libyan tribal chiefs; followingly, they authorised Egyptian intervention in Libya. Throughout the week, forces build up and posturing continued on Sirte frontlines. On 15 July, Libyan judicial officials said that the international audit of the Tripoli-based CBL and the parallel eastern-based CBL would begin. The same day, the GNA’s Joint Operations Room issued letters to armed groups in 12 civilian locations around Tripoli, demanding that they evacuate their headquarters within 24 hours.