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.
21 – 27 August: ISIS member allegedly killed on Tripoli frontlines
On 27 August, unconfirmed reports claim the LNA killed an alleged ISIS member fighting on the front lines in southern Tripoli. On 15 August, unconfirmed reports suggest ISIS militants attacked a checkpoint in Bawbat al-Souda in the Jufra region. On 18 August, the LNA’s spokesperson, claimed ISIS members are amongst the opposition forces it is fighting in Murzuq.
21 – 27 August: Old video of cleric calling Syria fighters to Libya resurfaces online
On 20 August, a video was circulated on Libyan social media showing Abdullah al-Muhaysini, a Salafi cleric linked with al-Qaeda affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, calling on fighters in Syria to travel to Libya to fight against the LNA. However, this video was released in April of this year.
21 – 27 August: G7 call for international conference on Libya
On 23 August, France, UK, US, Italy, Egypt and the UAE met as a part of the P3+3 countries in Paris to “study and evaluate the security and financial conditions in Libya.” On 26 August, the G7 summit in France released a statement calling for an international conference on Libya.
21 – 27 August: LNA’s plan to retake Ghariyan “is imminent”
On 21 August, anti-LNA forces made an advance into al-Asabea. On 25 August, heavy clashes occurred between LNA and anti-LNA forces 45 km southeast of Ghariyan and Ghout al-Reeh. On 26 August, the LNA claimed control of three villages south of Ghariyan.
14 – 20 Aug: Suspected ISIS recruiter arrested in Ajdabiya
On 18 August, the Internal Security Agency in Ajdabiya arrested suspected terrorist Issa al-Shaghri (aka Issa Kaba) upon his return to the city to allegedly plan terror operations.
14 – 20 Aug: Chinese engineers kidnapped near Qatroun
On 16 August, an unknown armed group kidnapped two Chinese nationals in the desert 75 km south of the border town of Qatroun in southwest Libya.
14 – 20 Aug: US Ambassador to Libya takes up post
The new US Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, assumed his duties on 14 August. The UN investigated and condemned a LNA airstrike on Zuwara airport on 15 August.
14 – 20 Aug: LNA expands aerial assault in western Libya
LNA airstrikes in western Libya have increased over the last week, targeting sites in Zuwara, Abu Kammash, Tripoli and Misrata. In Murzuq, clashes between Tebu and LNA-aligned groups escalated, leading to widespread displacement.
6 – 13 Aug: Misratan forces arrest 2 ISIS members in Sirte
On 6 August, the Misrata Counter-Terrorism force arrested two suspected Islamic State (ISIS) operatives, Ismail Omran and Hatem Ismal Thuraya, in Sirte.