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.
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.
1 – 7 April: Death of alleged ISIS member
On 5 April, alleged ISIS member, Faraj Abdussalam al-Derawi, was killed on the Wadi Rabea axis in southern Tripoli.
1 – 7 April: Rada allegedly releases jihadi prisoners
On 30 March, unverified Libyan news reports claimed the Tripoli-based Rada force released five members of the BRSC and the DRSC. On 6 April, the LNA claimed that a BRSC member was killed on the Wadi Rabea axis on the southern Tripoli frontlines.
1 – 7 April: Siyala criticises EU operation Irini
On 2 April, the GNA’s Foreign Minister said that the new EU Operation Irini ignored air borders and eastern Libyan land borders. On 1 April, the LNA claimed that a Turkish frigate fired a missile at the Watiya airbase, while stationed off the north-western coast of Libya near Sabratha.
1 – 7 April: Highest number of aerial attacks since fighting broke out in April 2019
The first week of April has seen the highest number of aerial attacks since the LNA launched its assault on Tripoli in April 2019. Relatively senior anti-LNA field commanders have been killed. On 2 April, GNA Prime Minister al-Serraj issued an official statement calling for a reshuffle at the CBL. On 5 April, 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in Libya.
25 – 31 March: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
25 – 31 March: Two NOC employees freed by LNA
On 30 March, two employees of the NOC who were kidnapped from Sharara oil field in southwest Libya in 2018 by unknown assailants were freed by LNA forces.
25 – 31 March: EU launches Operation Irini
On 26 March, the EU launched Operation Irini to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya. In an open letter published on 27 March, the US Ambassador to Libya, called on the Libyan authorities to stop the fighting and on 24 March, the acting UN Special Envoy to Libya strongly condemned the grave violation of the “humanitarian pause”.