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.
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.
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.