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.
19 – 25 February: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
19 – 25 February: LNA leader Khalifa Haftar apparently faces two different lawsuits in the US
Two separate lawsuits against Haftar are progressing in the US . On 22 February, Bashaagha said that the GNA would be willing to host a US military base in Libya. On 22 February, Erdogan said that two Turkish soldiers had died in Libya. On 20 February, Serraj attended a closed-door meeting with Erdogan in Istanbul. On 19 February, Russia’s defence minister Shoigu met with Haftar in Moscow.
19 – 25 February: Second round of UN-mediated 5 + 5 JMC discussions concluded in Geneva
On 23 February, the second round of the UN-mediated 5 + 5 JMC discussions concluded in Geneva while the HoR and HCS both expressed reservations about the political track discussions due to start this week. On 22 February, the Zuwara municipality declared a state of emergency. The same day, heavy fighting broke out between anti-LNA forces and LNA forces 17km south of Ghariyan.
12 – 18 February: Security forces arrest alleged ISIS member in Benghazi
On 10 February, security forces in Benghazi arrested an Egyptian national who has been accused of being a member of ISIS.
12 – 18 February: No relevant developments.
No relevant developments.
12 – 18 February: EU foreign ministers agree to establish military mission to enforce UN arms embargo
On 11 February, the UNSC adopted resolution 2509 (2020) extending the authorization of measures against the illicit export of crude oil. On 12 February, the UNSC endorsed resolution 2510 supporting the key points of the final communique of the Berlin Conference. On 17 February, the EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell announced that they agreed to establish a military mission to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya.
12 – 18 February: LNA forces shell Tripoli port while official ceasefire still in place
On 18 February, LNA forces shelled Tripoli port. On 18 February, the attack coincided with the UN-mediated 5 + 5 Joint Military Committee discussions resumed in Geneva. On 18 February, the head of the LNA, Khalifa Haftar, meeting with the US ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, in Rajma.
5 – 11 February: Prosecutor tells Court Hashem Abedi is equally guilty
Last week, prosecutor Penny told a British Court that the brother of Salman Abedi, Hashem Abedi, is equally guilty of murdering the 22 victims of the Manchester arena attack in May 2017.
5 – 11 February: Potential Jihadi Attack in Tripoli
On 10 February, a bombing targeted the Ascending General School in the Abu Issa area of Tripoli. It is unclear who carried out the attack.