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.
15 May – 21 May: ISIS attacks a LNA checkpoint near Zilla
On 20 May, the SPF claimed to have intercepted communications of ISIS fighters planning to undertake a assault on Sirte. On 18 May, ISIS fighters attacked a LNA checkpoint near Zilla. On 17 May, ISIS released its al-Naba newsletter no. 182, which featured a report on the group’s raid on Ghadduwa. On 13 May, ISIS published photos of the group’s members daily lives in the Fezzan.
15 May – 21 May: Al-Qaeda member thought killed in LNA aerial attack
On 16 May, unconfirmed reports suggest an al-Qaeda member, Musab Mohammed Kamuka, was killed in the LNA’s aerial attack on the headquarters of the Farouk militia in Zawiyya on 13 May.
15 May – 21 May: UN Envoy to Libya warns civil war could “lead to the permanent division of the country”
On 21 May, the UN Envoy to Libya gave a stark address to the UN Security Council. He warned that Libya is on the verge of descending into a civil war “which could lead to the permanent division of the country”. He added that the damage already done will take years to mend, and that’s only if the war is ended now.
15 May – 21 May: LNA bans shipments to all western maritime ports
On 20 May, the Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Naval Forces, Major General Faraj al-Mahdawi, declared a state of emergency with a ban on shipments to all western maritime ports. On 18 May, Government of National Accord (GNA) aligned forces received a shipment of armed vehicles at Tripoli port.
8 May – 14 May: ISIS conducted an attack on the town of Ghadduwa
On 9 May, ISIS conducted a daylight attack on the town of Ghadduwa. On 9 May, ISIS released its al-Naba newsletter no 181 that featured as its cover and main article the group’s 4 May attack. On 12 May, UK-based tabloid the Sunday Express reported that British military officials believe ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been hiding in Libya. On 14 May, the Sabratha Operations Room claim suspected ISIS member Safwan Abdul Majid was killed in an LNA airstrike in Zawiyya.
8 May – 14 May: HoR designates the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist group
On 13 May, the HoR voted to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group. The HoR believes the Muslim Brotherhood is assisting armed groups and terrorist in Tripoli.
8 May – 14 May: European Union calls for an immediate ceasefire
On 10 May, the Prime Minister of the GNA, Fayez al-Serraj, concluded a visit to the heads of state in Germany, France, Italy and the UK. On 10 May, the UNSC held an emergency session focusing on the instability in Libya and the need for humanitarian action. On 13 May, the European Union Council released a statement calling for an immediate ceasefire. On 13 May, the UN Envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, met with the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
8 May – 14 May: LNA’s “Operation Flood of Dignity” against GNA-aligned forces continued throughout the first week of Ramadan
The LNA’s “Operation Flood of Dignity” against GNA-aligned forces in southern Tripoli continued throughout the first week of Ramadan. On 9 May, the GNA stated that 40 foreign firms operating in Libya must renew their operating licences or face suspension of their operations in Libya.
1 May – 7 May: ISIS attack LNA camp in Sebha
On 4 May, ISIS claimed an attack against the LNA’s 160 Brigade Jabril Baba training camp in Sebha. On 25 April, the GNA MoI arrested Yasser Saleh Khalifa al-Majri for his alleged membership to ISIS. On 25 April, ISIS fighters attacked the home of a LNA supporter, Khaloukh Massoud, in Ghadduwa.