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.
9 January – 15 January: Rada release details on suspects involved in ISIS attacks in Tripoli
On 7 January, Rada released information on individuals suspected of orchestrating recent ISIS attacks in Tripoli and the Oil Crescent. On 8 January, Fathi Bashaga suggests ISIS is operating freely in the greater Tripoli region. On 10 January, unconfirmed reports suggesting two ISIS fighters were arrested in Tripoli. On 9 January, the body of the former leader of ISIS in Libya, Abu Nabil al-Anbari, was uncovered in a mass grave in Derna.
9 January – 15 January: Tripoli’s Dhat al-Imad office complex evacuated following reports of a bomb threat
On 11 January, the General Security Directorate defused an IED in a deserted farm in western Tripoli. On 10 January, Tripoli’s Criminal Investigation Department evacuated the Dhat al-Imad office complex following reports of a bomb threat.
9 January – 15 January: UN Envoy travels to southern Libya for meetings with local officials and dignitaries
On 13 January, UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame travelled to southern Libya for meetings with local officials and dignitaries. On 13 January, the head of the GNA Fayez al-Serraj pulled Libya from the Arab Economic Summit.
9 January – 15 January: LNA confirm operation to liberate southern Libya
On 15 January, LNA confirmed that an operation to liberate southern Libya from “terrorist” groups is underway. On 8 January, the LNA’s Military Police Brigade was deployed to Ras Lanuf and Brega to facilitate security in the Oil Crescent. On 8 January, three Presidential Council members instructed all government staff to cease supporting PC head Fayez al-Serraj.
2 January – 8 January: LNA forces rescue 20 civilians captured by ISIS
On 1 January, LNA forces undertook security operations around Ghadduwah that resulted in the rescue of as many as 20 civilians captured by ISIS fighters during attacks by the group on al-Fuqaha and Tazerbu late last year.
2 January – 8 January: Ansar al-Sharia member arrested in Zawiyya
On 7 January, security forces arrested a former member of Ansar al-Sharia, Amad al-Ghariyani. On 2 January, Nigeria’s Defence Minister, stated that several Nigerien solders were attacked by ‘fundamentalist’ fighters based in Libya.
2 January – 8 January: Serraj meets with Russian Ambassador to Libya
On 6 January, Fayez al-Serraj met with Russian Ambassador to Libya, Ivan Molotkov. On 5 January, Germany declared it will use its membership on the UN Security Council to support UNSMIL efforts. On 2 January, the GNA’s Interior Minister met with the British Charge d’Affairs.
2 January – 8 January: Attorney General issues arrest warrants for members of opposition groups
On 3 January, the Attorney General issued warrants for 31 members of Chadian and Sudanese opposition groups and 6 Libyan nationals.
26 December – 1 January: ISIS claim responsibility for the attack on Libya’s Foreign Ministry
On 27 December, ISIS’s al-Naba newsletter no. 162 outlined details of the group’s attack on the Libya’s Foreign Ministry in Tripoli on 25 December. On 23 December, thirty-four bodies of Ethiopian Christian nations killed by ISIS in 2016 were discovered in Sirte.