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.
18 – 24 March: BDB commander severely injured
On 19 March, a BDB commander, Ziyad Belaam, was severely injured while fighting against LNA forces on the Ain Zara axis in southern Tripoli.
18 – 24 March: First Covid-19 case reported in Libya
Over the last week, Libyan authorities have taken preventative measures to tackle Covid-19 and as of the evening of 24 March, the National Centre for Disease Control confirmed the first case. On 22 March, the TPF published a video accusing the GNA’s Minister of Interior, Bashaagha of being the “hand” of the USA and France. On 20 March, GNA-aligned forces captured Sudanese mercenaries embedded amongst LAN forces in southern Tripoli.
18 – 24 March: UNSMIL welcomes “positive responses” by the GNA and LNA to the ceasefire calls
On 21 March, the UNSMIL welcomed the “positive responses” by the GNA and LNA to the ceasefire calls. However, fighting does not appear to have ceased on Tripoli’s southern frontlines. On 23 March, Serraj held a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Conte. On 18 March, the GNA’s Ministry of Interior announced that it would be signing a contract for the purchase of an Airbus 135 and Airbus 145.
11 – 17 March: Hashem Abedi found guilty of the murder of 22 people
A UK court has found Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester bomber Salman Abedi, guilty of the murder of 22 people and helping to plan one of the deadliest terror attacks the UK has ever seen.
11 – 17 March: Scotland agrees to appeal of Libyan ‘guilty’ of Lockerbie bombing
The conviction of the only man found guilty of the 1988 Lockerbie aircraft bombing has been referred for an appeal to Scotland’s High Court of Justiciary.
11 – 17 March: GNA’s Minister of Interior travels to France and the UK
Over the last week, the GNA’s Minister of Interior, Fathi Bashaagha, travelled to France and the UK for meetings. Angela Merkel interacted with the leader of the LNA, Haftar and head of the GNA, Serraj emphasising the need to implement a permanent ceasefire. From 12 March, the current Deputy Envoy to Libya, Stephanie Williams, will serve as the acting Envoy to Libya. UNSMIL also called for an immediate humanitarian cessation of hostilities to allow local authorities to respond to the spread of COVID-19.
11 – 17 March: Build-up of forces on the Abu Grein frontline
Throughout the last week, there appears to have been a build-up of forces on the Abu Grein frontline, south of Misrata. On 8 March, the Misratan frontline field commander Arfidah was killed. On 10 March, a member of the Nawasi Brigade was killed, possibly a retribution for the killing of Arfidah. On 10 January, the GNA’s Western Military Region Commander, Juwaili, reportedly attempted to create a military camp in the Nafousa Mountains.
4 March – 10 March: Alleged ISIS member arrested
On 29 February a Sudanese doctor was arrested in Libya’s South on suspicion of being affiliated with ISIS and planning to undertake a terrorist attack. He is currently being processed by security forces, who suspect he has knowledge of other ISIS cells in the South.
4 March – 10 March: AQIM confirms death of prominent leader in Libya
On 4 March, Egypt executed the former Egyptian Special Force officer turned al-Qaeda affiliate Hisham Ashmawy. On 28 February, AQIM confirmed the death of prominent leader, Abdul Moneim Salem al-Hasnawi aka Abu Tahla al-Hasnawi, in Libya.