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.
12 – 17 December 2019: Khalifa Haftar announces a new ‘Zero Hour’ for his offensive on Tripoli
On 12 December, the head of the LNA, Khalifa Haftar, announced a new ‘Zero Hour’. GNA head Fayez al-Serraj urged his forces to stand against the LNA and called upon countries that back Haftar to leave the people of Libya alone. On 15 December, representatives of Misrata met and announced a general state of mobilisation for Misratan forces.
4 December – 10 December 2019: Sirte ISIS suspect released
On 3 December, the family of engineer Iman Daw al-Qamati confirmed that she had been acquitted of allegations of being affiliated with ISIS. On 5 December, a man’s body was discovered in al-Fuqaha, with reports claiming the man had been kidnapped by ISIS in April.
4 December – 10 December 2019: Two Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council members arrested
On 2 December, anti-LNA forces allegedly arrested two Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council (BRSC) members who attacked the Central Support Forces of Tajoura.
4 December – 10 December 2019: US believe Russian air defence system responsible for shot down drone
On 7 December, US Army General, Stephen Townsend stated that he believed Russian air defence systems were responsible for shooting down an American unarmed drone over Tripoli in November. On 5 December, the text of the maritime agreement between the GNA and Turkey was published. On 6 December, the Greek Foreign Ministry stated it had given the GNA’s Ambassador to Greece 72 hours to leave the country.
4 December – 10 December 2019: NOC declared force majeure on Mellitah port
On 9 December, the NOC declared force majeure on crude loadings from Mellitah port. On 7 December, a LNA MiG23 fighter jet crashed in Zawiyya. On 4 December, an unidentified armed group undertook two raids on the GNA’s Ministry of Finance in Tripoli.
27 November – 3 December 2019: Three alleged ISIS fighters arrested
On 29 November, the GNA’s MoI announced that it had arrested Emad Faraj Mansour al-Shuqabi on charges relating to terrorism and being the coordinator between ISIS and Ansar al-Sharia. On 20 November, the Benghazi’s Criminal Investigation General Directorate captured a suspected ISIS fighter from Benghazi. On 20 November, security forces arrested a suspected Chadian ISIS fighter in Taraghin in southern Libya.
27 November – 3 December 2019: Egyptian Military Criminal Court sentences Hisham al-Ashmawy to death
On 26 November, seven members of the DMSC were arrested. On 27 November, the Egyptian Military Criminal Court ruled that Hisham al-Ashmawy would be sentenced to death. On 29 November, two alleged members of the BRSC were said to have been killed in Muwajat al-Juma in the southern Tripoli frontlines.
27 November – 3 December 2019: GNA signs agreement with Turkey that sparks outrage
On 27 November, the GNA signed an agreement on maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean Sea with Turkey, along with an MoU to expand security and military cooperation. On 2 December, Speaker of the Tubruq-based HoR demanded to have the MoU retracted. On 2 December, the UNSC issued a statement expressing their “deep concern at the recent escalation of violence in Libya”.
27 November – 3 December 2019: Heavy clashes targeting al-Feel oil field
Over the last week, the LNA maintained its aerial dominance over Tripoli, while the GNA did not launch any aerial attacks. The LNA also launched air attacks on Tripoli’s western and southern periphery. On 27 November, a contingent of the loosely GNA aligned SPF and the local GNA-aligned PFG unit launched a coordinated attack on the al-Feel oilfield. On 28 November, the NOC confirmed that following the cessation of military activity at the al-Feel oil field, production had resumed.