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.
20 – 26 November 2019: Newspaper report indicates ISIS’s presence in Sirte
On 24 November, the “Washington Post” claimed eight suspected ISIS members were arrested within the proximity of Sirte. A Western official is quoted anonymously saying that there was concern ISIS and al-Qaeda might regroup.
20 – 26 November 2019: GNA Minister issues arrest warrant for Emad Faraj Mansour al-Shoqabi
On 24 November, GNA Minister of Interior Bashaagha called for the arrest of Emad Faraj Mansour al-Shoqabi, an individual suspected of coordinating between Ansar al-Sharia and ISIS.
20 – 26 November 2019: US Senate members introduce the ‘Libya Stabilization Act’
On 21 November, members of the US Senate introduced a piece of legislation called ‘the Libya Stabilization Act’. Former Libyan ambassador to the UAE, Aref al-Nayed, met with US NSC officials twice ‘this fall’. On 21 November, an AFRICOM unarmed remotely piloted aircraft was lost over Tripoli. On 20 November, an Italian Air Force MQ-9A Predator B crashed near the city of Tarhouna.
20 – 26 November 2019: Haftar meets with US officials to discuss current conflict
The US State Department said that on 24 November, a delegation of senior US officials met with LNA leader Haftar. On 23 November, LNA spokesperson Ahmed al-Mismari announced a “No Fly Zone” (NFZ) over Tripoli. Over the last week, LNA or LNA affiliated-personnel met with decision makers and communities in west Libyan towns.
13 November – 19 November: ISIS-Libya released photos showing its pledge to new group leader
On 14 November, ISIS-Libya released four photos revealing the group’s members making a pledge of allegiance to new ISIS leader. On 15 November, the GNA Minister of Foreign Affairs at a meeting of the global coalition against ISIS stated ”IS threats in Libya are still imminent”.
13 November – 19 November: Egyptian court sentences Abdel Rahim al-Mismari to death
On 17 November, an Egyptian court sentenced to death Libyan terrorist Abdel Rahim al-Mismari for the attack on the Wahat Road checkpoint in October 2017.
13 November – 19 November: US State Department call on LNA to end offensive on Tripoli
On 14 November, the US State Department released a statement directly addressing the LNA and calling on it to “end its offensive on Tripoli.” On 13 November, representatives of the US State Department started a US-Libya Security Dialogue in Washington, DC with the GNA.
13 November – 19 November: LNA intensifies push on southern Tripoli
On 12 November, the LNA intensified its push into the southern Tripoli moving on Khalla, the Swehli crossroads and Naher fronts.
6 – 12 November: Haftar emphasises cooperation with Chad and Sudan in countering ISIS
In an interview on 4 November, the leader of the LNA, Khalifa Haftar, said that the LNA is cooperating with Chad and Sudan to fight ISIS in Libya.