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 July: US Defence Department publishes report on Syrian fighters in Libya
On 16 July, a report published by the US Defence Department inspector general asserted that the Syrian fighters in Libya were ‘very likely’ motivated by money.
15 – 21 July: Africom verifies landmines and IED imagery allegedly laid by Wagner forces
On 15 July, Turkish President Erdogan and US President Trump agreed to strengthen their cooperation on Libya. The same day, AFRICOM said it had verified photographic evidence of landmines and IEDs allegedly found in Tripoli that had been laid by the Russian Wagner Group. On 16 July, US State Department Assistant Secretary Schenker described the EU mission to stop arms shipments to Libya as not being ‘serious’ and accused the EU of being ‘biased’ for only criticising Turkey. On 17 July, France rebuffed Schenker’s assertions. On 19 July, Egyptian president Sisi held a phone call with US President Trump in which the two leaders reportedly agreed on maintaining a ceasefire. On 20 July, Egypt’s parliament authorised the deployment of Egyptian troops on combat missions outside the country.
15 – 21 July: Libyan tribal chiefs authorise Egyptian intervention
On 16 July, Egyptian President Sisi met with a delegation of Libyan tribal chiefs; followingly, they authorised Egyptian intervention in Libya. Throughout the week, forces build up and posturing continued on Sirte frontlines. On 15 July, Libyan judicial officials said that the international audit of the Tripoli-based CBL and the parallel eastern-based CBL would begin. The same day, the GNA’s Joint Operations Room issued letters to armed groups in 12 civilian locations around Tripoli, demanding that they evacuate their headquarters within 24 hours.
8-14 July: Bashaagha announces arrest of suspected ISIS member
On 9 July, the GNA Minister of Interior, Fathi Bashaagha, announced that a suspected ISIS member had been arrested in Zawiyya days prior, while additional ISIS fighters had been captured in Abu Grein the week before.
8-14 July: Rada arrests al-Qaida suspect
On 10 July, Rada arrested a suspected al-Qaida member in the Zawiyat al-Dahmani area of Tripoli.
8-14 July: Egypt announces military drill
On 9 July, the Egyptian military said it had carried out a large-scale military drill near the Libyan border called ‘Hasm 2020.’ On 13 July, the Turkish Foreign Minister said that military preparations had been made to seize Sirte and Jufra airbase if the LNA did not withdraw from both locations. On 10 July, Aqeela Saleh met with the acting UN Envoy to discuss finding an inclusive political solution to the Libyan crisis. On 8 July, Russian Foreign Minister said Russia was working with Turkey on an immediate ceasefire agreement in Libya.
8-14 July: HOR approves Egyptian intervention in Libya
On 13 July, the HoR said that the Egyptian armed forces have the right to interfere in Libya should they see an imminent threat. On 13 July, Juwaili issued an official decree to create a new joint force to secure the western region. On 11 July, UNSMIL held a virtual meeting with the GNA MoI to discuss SSR and DDR efforts. On 12 July, Serraj met with the GNA military region commanders while LNA forces continued to mobilise to Sirte. On 8 and 9 July, clashes occurred between militias in Janzour that resulted in at least 10 people being killed.
1 July – 7 July: Two captures of alleged ISIS members
On 5 July, Misrata’s JSOR captured alleged ISIS fighter, Omar Dabbous. On 6 July, the GNA’s Ministry of Interior announced that the Criminal Investigation Department of the Zawiyya Security Directorate had captured an ISIS cell in Zawiyya.
1 July – 7 July: Families of detained BRSC fighters protest
On 28 June, families of BRSC fighters detained for fighting against the LNA in Benghazi protested outside the courts in Sidi Saleem.