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.
24 July – 30 July: UN Envoy proposes a “triple action” to end Libya conflict
On 29 July, in a lengthy address to the UNSC, the UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame proposed a three-part immediate action to end the current conflict. On 28 July, Salame met with the head of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Khalifa Haftar, at his headquarters in Rajma, in eastern Libya.
24 July – 30 July: GNA and LNA exchange aerial attacks on key airbases
On 26 July, the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) Volcano of Wrath operation published a statement claiming to have destroyed a hanger of drones and a cargo plane at the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) Jufra airbase. Later the same day, the LNA claimed it had hit more than ten targets at the Misrata Air College, destroying an air defence system and UAV platforms.
17 July – 23 July: Former Iraqi Minister claims al-Baghdadi is hiding in Libya
On 16 July, former Iraqi Minister Baqr Jaber al-Zubeidi claimed Islamic State (ISIS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is hiding in Libya. Al-Zubeidi suggests ISIS has shifted it focus to North Africa in an attempt to establish a new caliphate in the region.
17 July – 23 July: Hashem Abedi extradited from Libya to the UK
On 17 July, Hashem Abedi, the brother of the suicide bomber Salman Abedi who blew himself up at a concert the British city of Manchester in May 2017, was extradited from Libya to the UK.
17 July – 23 July: UNSMIL reopen bids for audit of competing CBL branches
On 22 July, UNSMIL announced the reopening of bids for the selection of an international audit firm to audit the financial accounts of the competing Central Bank of Libya CBL branches.
17 July – 23 July: LNA launches “second wave” assault on Tripoli
On 22 July, a LNA L-39 Albatross fighter jet made an emergency landing on a road in Beni Khadash in eastern Tunisia. On 21 July, the LNA spokesperson, Ahmed al-Mismari, said the LNA had drawn up its final plan to capture Tripoli. The following day the LNA launched it “second wave” assault to capture the capital. On 18 July, the HCS published a statement accusing France, the UAE, and Egypt of assisting the LNA.
10 July – 16 July: ISIS release eulogy for its media officer in Libya
On 11 July, ISIS released its al-Naba newsletter no 190, which featured a eulogy for ISIS Libya’s media officer. On 9 July, the Shahat CID arrested a suspected ISIS member, Ayoub Salah Abdul Aziz al-Alsoinai. On 9 July, the commander of the PFG denied reports that there was an attack by ISIS at the gate of Zilla oilfield.
10 July – 16 July: “Paid traitors” alleged to be responsible for Benghazi bombing
On 11 July, three explosive packages were detonated at the Huwari cemetery in Benghazi during the funeral of a former Special Forces commander under Qadhafi, Khalifa Mismari. According to the LNA spokesperson, Ahmed Mesmari, four people were killed and 33 wounded in the attack.
10 July – 16 July: US made missiles discovered amongst LNA forces found to belong to France
On 16 July, the Governments of Egypt, France, Italy, UAE, UK, and the US issued a statement calling for an immediate de-escalation and halt to the current fighting. On 11 July, the UN Deputy Envoy to Libya, met with the senior leadership of the eastern-based CBL. On 8 July, the Javelin anti-tank missiles discovered amidst LNA forces in Ghariyan were confirmed to belong to France.