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.
22 – 28 April: Haftar declares military rule
On 27 April, LNA head Khalifa Haftar claimed that the LNA had a “popular mandate” to rule Libya. Over the last week, there was a significant social response in the eastern region expressing support for the LNA and military rule. On 26 April, GNA-aligned forces allegedly launched aerial attacks on Watiya airbase, with several number of deaths reported. Throughout the last week, GNA-aligned forces have targeted the town of Tarhouna, as well as supply routes into the town near Bani Walid, with multiple airstrikes.
15 – 21 April: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
15 – 21 April: al-Ghariyani calls for continued fighting against LNA
On 15 April, Grand Mufti Sadiq al-Ghariyani called on fighters in a television interview to continue to fight against the LNA. The same day, UNSMIL released a statement expressing their concerns over the alleged release of 401 prisoners “without adequate legal proceedings or vetting” from Sabratha and Surman.
15 – 21 April: Algerian Lamamra withdraws
On 16 April, Ramtane Lamamra, the former head of the AU’s Commission for Peace and Security and former Algerian Finance Minister, withdrew from the race to become the UN Special Envoy to Libya. On 14 April, Russian Foreign Minister, Lavrov, claimed that the UNSC P5 have agreed to hold a summit. Over the course of the last week, politicians from the Eastern-based parallel administration had calls with Algerian and Russian officials respectively.
15 – 21 April: GNA launches assault to capture Tarhouna
On 18 April, the GNA Volcano of Rage Operation began an assault to capture the town of Tarhouna, which acts as the LNA’s forward base for its Tripoli operations. The same day, the GNA-aligned forces from the GNA’s Western Military Region made advances on the Tripoli International Airport axis. On 14 April, GNA-aligned forces and LNA forces engaged in intensive fighting at the Zareer checkpoint, located 13km north of Watiya airbase.
8 – 14 April: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
8 – 14 April: BRSC commander allegedly fighting in Sabratha
BRSC commander, Faraj Shakku, is thought to have participated in the GNA-aligned forces’ capture of Sabratha and Surman on 13 April.
8 – 14 April: Russia sending Syrian fighters to Libya
On 13 April, Russia allegedly sent Syrian fighters to Libya to fight for the LNA. The same day, the Sudanese MFA released a statement denying that any forces from its country were participating in the clashes in southern Tripoli or within Libya more broadly. This comes amid several photos circulating online claiming that Sudanese forces were killed on the Abu Grein axis.
8 – 14 April: GNA captures Sabratha
On 13 April, armed groups aligned to the GNA claimed to have captured pro-LNA towns, including Sabratha. The same day, reports emerged on social media claiming that the GNA has been attempting to bribe the city of Bani Walid. On 12 April, the LNA undertook an assault on the Abu Grein axis. In a counter-attack on the same locations, all territory was re-captured. On 6 April, an armed group stormed the MMRA station at al-Shuwayrif and shut off the pipeline, effectively cutting off the water supply to Tripoli, Bani Walid, Tarhouna and Misrata.