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.
15 – 21 January 2020: No notable developments.
No notable developments.
15 – 21 January 2020: Germany holds an international conference on Libya in Berlin
On 19 January, Germany held an international conference on Libya in Berlin including multiple state leaders and high-level delegates. The conference concluded with unanimous agreement on a final 55-point communiqué. The communiqué called for the UNSC to create an international committee to monitor the ceasefire and to impose sanctions on violations of the ceasefire.
15 – 21 January 2020: Serraj and Haftar meet international leaders in separate meetings
On 17 January, Haftar met with key Greek political officials in Athens ahead of the Berlin conference. On 19 January, Haftar met with German Chancellor Merkel and French President Macron in Berlin. Serraj, on the other hand, met with Merkel and Turkish President Erdogan individually. Serraj and Haftar agreed separately to nominate representatives for a ceasefire committee. On 20 January, US Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, met with Serraj and Haftar following the Berlin conference.
8 – 14 January 2020: Suspected ISIS cells active in southern Libya
On 6 January, suspected ISIS “sleeper cells” were observed in southern Libya. On 8 January, the Ajilat Criminal Investigations Department undertook a raid targeting alleged anti-LNA fighters accused of interfering with the arrest of an ISIS fighter. On 9 January, an airstrike by an unidentified entity targeted ISIS fighters in southern Libya.
8 – 14 January 2020: No notable developments
No notable developments.
8 – 14 January 2020: Merkel’s office announces Libya conference will be held in Berlin on 19 January
On 8 January, Turkey and Russia jointly called for a ceasefire in Libya from 12 January. UN Envoy to Libya, Salame, welcomed the ceasefire and called upon the international community to make the most of the momentum to help reach a consensus through the “Berlin process”. On 8 January, Serraj refused to see Italian Prime Minister Conte after learning that Haftar had also been invited and received by the Italian leader. On 9 January, a delegation of senior US officials, met in Rome with Bashaagha and Haftar. On 11 January, Russian President Putin and German Chancellor Merkel met in Moscow to discuss Libya. On 14 January, Merkel’s office announced that she had agreed with the UN to go ahead with holding the Berlin conference on 19 January.
8 – 14 January 2020: Serraj and Haftar agree on ceasefire but agreement fails to be signed by Haftar
On 11 January, Serraj welcomed a Turkish-Russian proposed ceasefire. The LNA also accepted the truce last-minute. Serraj and Haftar then both visited Moscow but only Serraj signed the ceasefire agreement. Haftar left Russia without signing the deal.
1 – 7 January 2020: LNA claims ISIS attempted a suicide attack in Abu Salim
On 22 December, reports suggest an ISIS convoy was observed moving from Ghadduwa in the direction of Murzuq. On 31 December, the LNA military information division claimed a fighter attempted to undertake a failed suicide attack targeting the Tariq bin Ziyad Battalion stationed in Abu Salim.
1 – 7 January: No notable developments.
No notable developments.