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.
23 – 29 October: German foreign minister and UN Envoy discussed the Berlin conference in Tripoli
On 26 October, US Embassy officials travelled to Benina to meet with notable eastern figures and discuss efforts to end the fighting around Tripoli and seek justice for US victims of the 11 September 2012 attack in Benghazi. On 27 October, the German foreign minister and UN Envoy discussed the Berlin conference in Tripoli. Russia hosted its first Africa summit which was attended by Serraj and eastern government representatives.
23 – 29 October: Anti-LNA forces claimed an ambush that killed 16 LNA fighters
The LNA continued to push along frontlines in southern Tripoli last week and claimed to have launched airstrikes against anti-LNA positions south of Surman and against a Misratan convoy moving on Jufra. The anti-LNA forces claimed an ambush near the Yarmouk military camp, which reportedly killed 16 LNA fighters.
16 October – 22 October: Suspected ISIS member arrested in Sirte
On 14 October, the Misratan Counter-Terrorism Forces (CTF) arrested a man in Sirte on the suspicion of being a member of ISIS. On 16 October, a spokesperson for the Sirte Protection Force (SPF) claimed that ISIS fighters had reorganised in large numbers in the mountainous areas of southern Libya. On 16 October, the LNA claimed to have arrested an ISIS member after its Special Forces conducted an operation in the al-Gharat area.
16 October – 22 October: Photos circulate online claiming BDB commander at southern Tripoli frontlines
On 16 October, undated photos circulated on social media suggesting Zeyad Belaam, the founder of the Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB) was fighting alongside anti-LNA coalition forces on the frontlines of Tripoli.
16 October – 22 October: NOC hold meeting with key US officials in Washington
On 16 October, NOC chairman Mustafa Sanallah met with key US officials in Washington to discuss the potential increase of oil outputs, investment opportunities and transparency in the Libyan oil sector. On 16 October, the chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs panel on the Middle East introduced a proposal “to clarify and strengthen American policy in support of a peaceful diplomatic resolution to the Libyan conflict.”
16 October – 22 October: Conflicting reports on date for Berlin Conference on Libya
On 21 October, the GNA Ambassador to Italy, Omar Tarhouni, stated that the planned international conference on Libya to be held in Berlin will occur in April 2020. On 18 – 19 October, members of the Tubruq-based HoR convened in Cairo with their Egyptian counterparts to discuss possible exits from the ongoing Libyan political crisis.
9 – 15 October: US defence official claims strikes caused “significant degradation” to ISIS-Libya
On 10 October, an anonymous US defence official said recent AFRICOM strikes in Libya killed 43 ISIS fighters, resulting in a pretty significant degradation of their capabilities. On 13 October, Sabratha security forces arrested Moaz Mabrouk al-Falah on suspicion of collaborating with terrorist groups.
9 – 15 October: LNA concerned that Turkey will send terrorists from Syria to fight in Libya
On 13 October, an LNA commander expressed concern that Turkey might attempt to transfer hundreds of extremists belonging to Jabhat al-Nusra from northern Syria to western Libya, via Turkey, to fight amongst the anti-LNA coalition.
9 – 15 October: Berlin Conference delayed as Salame calls for actions not words
The planned “Berlin Conference” on Libya will be delayed until at least November. On 11 October, the UN Envoy to Libya said he remained hopeful that the Berlin Conference would lead to a UN Security Council resolution preventing foreign countries from escalating the crisis in Libya, as well as the implementation of mechanisms to enforce the arms embargo.