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.
6 – 13 Aug: Car bomb in Benghazi kills UN staff
On 10 August, a car bomb in the Hawari area of Benghazi targeting a UN convoy killed at least three UN staff members. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
6 – 13 Aug: UN and internationals welcome Eid truce despite violations
On 8 August, the UN Envoy briefed the UNSC on the state of the planned UN-brokered ceasefire for Eid al-Adha. On 10 August, Turkey issued a statement in support of the ceasefire. On 12 August, France, Italy, the UAE, the UK and the US issued a joint statement in support of the UN’s efforts.
6 – 13 Aug: GNA and LNA agree to UN truce but violations occur
On 9 August, the GNA accepted the UN’s call for a temporary ceasefire for Eid. On 10 August, Haftar announced that his forces would also temporarily cease military operations. However, several violations of the truce occurred. On 10 August, the LNA deployed additional forces to Murzuq to engage with ‘Chadian opposition forces’.
31 Jul – 6 Aug: Misratan force arrests ISIS member in Sirte
On 3 August, the Misratan Counter-Terrorism Force, with the assistance of the Sirte Protection Force (SPF), claimed to have arrested an alleged member of ISIS in Sirte.
31 Jul – 6 Aug: South African captured in Libya by AQ-linked group pleads for release
GNA-aligned factions have condemned and denied claims there are terrorists fighting within their ranks. On 3 August, BDB member Ali Abdulhafiz al-Zindli was reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike. On 5 August, a video emerged showing a South African who has been held captive in Libya since 2017 when he was seized by a splinter group linked to al-Qaeda.
31 Jul – 6 Aug: UNSC welcomes proposed truce for Eid
On 1 August, Haftar met with Sisi in Cairo to discuss security cooperation, On 4 August, Macron and Sisi had a phone call in which they discussed Libya. On 5 August, the UNSC said members “welcomed and expressed full support” for a proposed truce for Eid.
31 Jul – 6 Aug: LNA airstrikes hit Misrata, Murzuq and Mitiga
The LNA conducted several airstrikes throughout last week. On 4 August, at least 42 people were killed and more than 60 injured after an LNA aerial attack hit a town hall meeting in Murzuq. On 5 August, the LNA hit Misrata Air College.
24 July – 30 July: ISIS religious police member arrested in Derna
On 26 July, the LNA announced the arrest of an alleged member of Islamic State’s (ISIS) religious police in the Shiha neighbourhood of Derna. On 29 July, the 24th report of the UN’s ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida/Taliban Monitoring Team was published.
24 July – 30 July: Security forces arrest al-Qaeda leaders in Tripoli suburb
On 24 July, the Misratan Joint Security Force undertook a dawn raid against alleged al-Qaeda leaders in an undisclosed suburb of Tripoli. The GNA’s interior ministry stated that those arrested were connected to attacks launched in Tripoli.