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.
3 July – 9 July: Sabratha security forces arrest alleged extremist cell
On 7 July, Libyan National Army (LNA)-aligned security forces in Sabratha reportedly arrested an extremist sleeper cell with a trove of weapons and ammunition planning to launch a terrorist attack in Sabratha. On 6 July, Benghazi Shura Council militia forces were observed moving within the vicinity of Sirte.
3 July – 9 July: Serraj visits Erdogan to secure military and financial support
On 7 July, the UN’s Deputy Envoy to Libya, Stephanie Williams, met with members of the eastern-based HoR as part of a 3-day tour of eastern Libya. On 5 July, GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj visited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. On 5 July, UNSC issued a statement condemning the attack on 2 July on a migrant detention centre in Tajoura. On 3 July, details emerged of the GNA Attorney General arresting two Russian men accused of attempting to influence future Libyan elections.
3 July – 9 July: LNA announce ‘second wave’ mobilisation to take Tripoli
On 2 July, an airstrike killed at least 53 people and injured 130 more after striking a detention centre in the Tajoura suburb of Tripoli. On 6 July, the LNA announce a ‘second wave’ mobilisation to take Tripoli. On 7 July, the LNA conducted additional aerial attacks on Mitiga airport. On 7 July, GNA-affiliated forces tried to fully take Qasr Ben Ghashir and the area surrounding the Tripoli International Airport from LNA forces. On 8 July, the LNA elevated Major Mahmoud al-Werfalli to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
26 June – 2 July: US suggest ISIS making “small resurgence” in central Libya
On 26 June, the US Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Paul Selva, stated the US administration is seeing a “small resurgence” of ISIS in Libya’s central region following the LNA’s assault on the capital in April.
26 June – 2 July: Alleged prominent al-Qaeda member fighting in Tripoli
On 23 June, unconfirmed reports suggested a prominent Al-Qaeda member, Adel Al-Hanashi, has been fighting against the LNA in the Tripoli suburb of Aziziyah.
26 June – 2 July: Turkey threatens LNA as “legitimate target” following the arrest of six Turkish nationals
On 28 June, the LNA banned all commercial flights from Libya to Turkey. On 29 June, the Turkish Foreign Ministry demanded the release of six Turkish citizens by the LNA “otherwise the elements of Haftar will become a legitimate target.” On 29 June, the US State and Defence Departments opened an investigation to look into how American-made weapons had found their way to Libya.
26 June – 2 July: GNA aligned forces capture town of Gharyan
On 26 June, the GNA announced that forces aligned with it had taken control of the town of Gharyan. On 1 July, the LNA started a new campaign dubbed the “Consequence of Treachery”. On 30 June, the head of the eastern-based House of Representatives declared a “general mobilisation.”
19 June – 25 June: ISIS publish details of its clashes with LNA near Harouj Mountains
On 23 June, ISIS published its latest al-Naba newsletter no. 187 which included details of its clashes with Libyan National Army (LNA) forces west of the Harouj mountains. On 21 June, ISIS claimed 3 attacks and resulting in 53 casualties in its “Libya Wilayat” between 14 and 20 June.
19 June – 25 June: Egyptian jihadist captured in Libya put on trial
On 25 June, Egyptian jihadist captured in Libya, Hisham el-Ashmawy, was put on trial in a military country in Egypt for his involvement in five terrorist attacks.