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.
6 – 12 November: Further allegations of BDB fighters on the frontlines in Tripoli
On 10 November, pro-LNA media outlets reported new claims of BDB fighters being on the frontlines in Tripoli.
6 – 12 November: Haftar frames foreign support for the LNA as counterterrorism cooperation
In an interview on 4 November, Haftar said that Qatari and Turkish support to the GNA will probably delay his troops’ advances and framed foreign support for the LNA as counterterrorism cooperation. He wished the Berlin conference success if it ever took place.
6 – 12 November 2019: LNA launches aerial attacks against military facility east of Ghardabiya airbase
In an interview on 4 November, Khalifa Haftar, leader of the LNA, reiterated his conviction of the LNA’s eventual military success in Tripoli. On 5 November, the LNA launched aerial attacks targeting a military facility east of Ghardabiya airbase. On 10 November, the LNA claimed to have taken control of the Souq al-Khamis area further south of Tripoli.
30 October – 5 November: ISIS mass grave discovered near Sirte
On 2 November, the Ras Lanuf Security Directorate confirmed that a mass grave had been discovered east of Sirte. It is likely the grave dates from the period when ISIS occupied Sirte.
30 October – 5 November: LNA claims member of the DMSC is fighting among anti-LNA forces
On 2 November, the LNA claimed a member of the Derna Mujahideen Shura Council (DMSC) is fighting in Tripoli among anti-LNA forces. On 31 October, LNA units reportedly arrested a sleeper cell consisting of Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council (BRSC) members in Wadi al-Bawanis.
30 October – 5 November: Head of the GNA and US Ambassador to Libya meet in London
On 3 November, the head of the GNA, Fayez al-Serraj, and US Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, met in London. On 2 November, Italy’s deal with the GNA on migration was automatically renewed without amendments. The GNA and UN formally reopened Mitiga airport on 29 October and said that they planned to resume flights in the next two weeks.
30 October – 5 November: LNA conducts renewed airstrikes against Tripoli’s Mitiga airport
On 3 November, the GNA’s Volcano of Rage Operation said that the LNA had conducted four airstrikes against Tripoli’s Mitiga airport. On 1 November, the LNA said it had launched airstrikes against a military camp near Zelten, west of Tripoli. On the same day, the GNA’s PC issued a statement condemning LNA airstrikes against the Ministry of Interior headquarters.
23 – 29 October: AFRICOM claims recent airstrikes killed 25% of ISIS-Libya fighters
On 26 October, US AFRICOM claimed that the four US airstrikes in Libya this year had killed 25% of the remaining ISIS fighters in the country and that ISIS-Libya numbers less than 150 members. On 16 October, the LNA claimed to have arrested an ISIS member near Mitiga airport in Tripoli.
23 – 29 October: Benghazi Defence Brigade forces observed near Umm al-Aranib
On 25 October, military vehicles thought to belong to the Benghazi Defence Brigade (BDB) were observed south of Umm al-Aranib.