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 January – 4 February 2020: LNA claims to have arrested former ISIS media official
On 26-27 January, an unidentified drone flew over Sebha through to Murzuq suspected to be pursuing ISIS-Libya members. On 27 January, the LNA’s 173 Infantry Brigade claimed ISIS fighters had fired on the LNA’s Joint Security Room of Wadi Otbah. On 30 January, the head of the media office of the LNA General Administration of the Criminal Investigation of the Army, claimed to have arrested an alleged former ISIS media official.
29 January – 4 February 2020: Egyptian court sentences Hisham al-Ashmawy to death
On 1 February, an Egyptian court sentenced former Egyptian special forces officer and alleged Islamist militant, Hisham al-Ashmawy, to death.
29 January – 4 February 2020: War of words between France and Turkey escalates
On 29 January, Salamé briefed the UNSC. On 29 January, the Turkish government confirmed it had four frigates and a refuelling vessel in the central Mediterranean. The same day, Macron accused Turkey of violating the Berlin conference. On 30 January, Algerian Prime Minister Djerad proposed that his country host a Libya “reconciliation forum” on behalf of the AU. On 2 February, Algeria’s President, Tebboune, proposed a meeting for Libya’s multiple “tribes” to be held in a regional country in order to create a solution to the current Libya crisis.
29 January – 4 February 2020: 5+5 Libyan Joint Military Commission begins meetings
From 1-2 February, clashes and aerial attacks between Haftar’s LNA and anti-LNA forces occurred in the al-Washka area. On 3 February, the 5+5 Libyan Joint Military Commission mediated by UNSMIL began with meetings. On the same day, the Libyan Embassy in Niger released a video statement denouncing the GNA and declaring its recognition of the HoR as Libya’s legitimate and sovereign government.
22 – 28 January 2020: Tunisia said to repatriate six children of ISIS fighters in Libya
A delegation of Tunisian authorities arrived in Misrata last week, to work to repatriate six children of Tunisians killed in the ranks of ISIS in 2016.
22 – 28 January 2020: Al-Iman sentenced to 19 years in prison for 2012 Benghazi attack
The Libyan citizen Mustafa al-Iman was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for his role in the 2012 terrorist attack on two U.S. government facilities in Benghazi that killed four Americans.
22 – 28 January 2020: UNSMIL condemns continued blatant violations of the arms embargo in Libya
On 23 January, Algerian Foreign Minister Boukadoum held a meeting with foreign ministers from Mali, Egypt, Chad, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia, the latter five nations sharing a common border with Libya. On 23 January, Greek Prime Minister, Mitsotakis stated the EU would not agree to a political solution to the Libya crisis while the GNA and Turkey maintain their maritime MoU. On 26 January, Turkish President Erdogan, met with Algerian Prime Minister, Tebboune, in Algeria. On 27 January, German Foreign Minister Maas met EU High Representative Borrell to discuss the situation in Libya. On 27 January, UNSMIL issued a statement saying it deeply regrets the “continued blatant violations of the arms embargo in Libya”.
22 – 28 January 2020: Continuing clashes and LNA makes advances in West Libya
On 21 January, the GNA’s deputy ambassador to Tunis resigned. On 22 January, several projectiles were fired at Mitiga Airport, resulting in flights being cancelled at the airfield. On 24 January, Turkish President Erdogan stated that Turkey has sent military personnel, in the form of a training and cooperation team, to Libya. On 26 January, LNA forces clashed with anti-LNA forces from Misrata in a failed attempt to capture the town of Abu Grein. On 26 January, the LNA spokesperson al-Mismari confirmed the assault but stated the LNA does not believe the assault is a breach of the Russia-Turkey ceasefire.
15 – 21 January 2020: No notable developments.
No notable developments.