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: 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.
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.