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: 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.
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.