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.
6 May – 12 May: LNA attacks central Tripoli
On 7 May, the LNA launched shells within the vicinity of the GNA Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Supreme Court, and the Turkish and Italian Ambassadors’ residencies. On 11 May, the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece and the UAE issued a joint declaration in which they expressed concern over the current escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
6 May – 12 May: LNA spokesperson indicates deal between Haftar and Saleh
On 11 May, the LNA spokesperson, indicated that a deal had been brokered between Haftar, and the chairman of the HoR, Saleh. On 9 May, the LNA launched as many as 150 artillery shells on Tripoli. On 6 May, the LNA announced a new aerial operation against the GNA dubbed “Operation Ababil Birds”. Throughout the week GNA-aligned Turkish drones launched aerial attacks on the LNA controlled Watiya airbase.
29 April – 5 May: Rada arrests suspected ISIS member
On 28 April, the GNA Ministry of Interior-aligned Rada arrested suspected ISIS member Saaed Kamel Saaed Abdul Karim aka Aburami “Kimo” in Tripoli.
29 April – 5 May: Egyptian militant arrested by LNA
On 22 April, the LNA arrested suspected Egyptian militant Mohammed Mohamed al-Sayed aka Mohammed al-Senbekhti aka Abu Khaled Munir. It has been suggested that Senbekhti’s extradition to Egypt is being negotiated.
29 April – 5 May: French fighter jets sighted in Libya
On 30 April, the GNA’s Foreign Minister issued a statement expressing deep concern to the French Foreign Ministry about the sighting of a French fighter jet over the skies of Misrata and Abu Grein. Throughout last week, most of the major international players in Libya have issued statements in reaction to LNA head Haftar’s speech on 27 April in which he declared he had the people’s mandate to abolish the LPA and establish military rule in Libya. The reactions of Haftar’s main backers, namely the UAE, Egypt and Russia, have varied.
29 April – 5 May: LNA accepts Ramadan ceasefire
On 29 April, the LNA spokesperson, al-Mismari, announced that the LNA had agreed to a humanitarian truce for Ramadan. The GNA responded that it does not trust any ‘truce’ agreement made by the LNA. On 5 May, GNA-aligned forces began a ground assault on the LNA-controlled Watiya airbase south of Zuwara. On 30 April, a video was released showing the head of the HoR, Saleh, meeting with his fellow Obeidat tribal members to discuss his recent political initiative.
22 – 28 April: Continued airstrikes in Fezzan
LNA strikes alleged ISIS enclaves in South Libya.
22 – 28 April: BRSC and DMSC fighters killed
On 20 April, members of the BRSC and DMSC alleged to be fighting for the GNA-aligned forces were killed near Sadawi.
22 – 28 April: Saleh calls for political reform
On 23 April, the head of the HoR, Saleh called for support for political reform. On 27 April, the acting UN Envoy to Libya, Stephanie Williams, welcomed Saleh’s political initiative. The US embassy in Libya reacted to Haftar’s televised address from 27 April.