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.
10 April – 16 April: Senior BDB leader seen participating clashes in Tripoli
On 11 April, senior leader of the Benghazi Defense Brigade Ziyad Belam was seen participating clashes in Tripoli.
10 April – 16 April: UN postpones National Conference
On 10 April, UN Special Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salamé stated he was postponing the National Conference due to take place on 14-16 April. On 13 April, Salamé release a statement indicating the UN had not given up the prospect of a political solution to end the clashes. On 15 April, Salame told the BCC that “I’m just as worried by the crack in the UN Security Council as the fighting on the ground.”
10 April – 16 April: LNA issues arrest warrant for GNA Prime Minister amongst others
On 11 April, the LNA military prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for a raft of high-profile Tripoli and Misratan political and security figures. In Tripoli, the situation on the ground appears to have reached a stalemate. Neither the LNA nor anti-LNA forces have lost or gained any significant ground since last week. In contrast, the number of aerial attacks had increased.
3 April – 9 April: ISIS undertake attack on Fuqaha burning several houses
On 9 April, ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack on the town of Fuqaha, in the southern Jufra region. Arriving in as many as 15 vehicles, ISIS cut off communications to the town, burnt down several houses and executed the head of the municipal guard.
3 April – 9 April: Founding member of Ajdabiya Revolutionaries Shura Council suspect of participating in Tripoli clashes
On 9 April, unconfirmed reports suggest Abrek Maazak is participating in the clashes in Tripoli. Maazak is a founding member of Ajdabiya Revolutionaries Shura Council, an Islamist brigade formerly linked with Ansar Al-Sharia and the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council.
3 April – 9 April: Airstrikes occur in the Uweinat area targeting suspected terrorists
On 3 April, airstrikes occurred in the Uweinat area close to the Libya-Egypt border, targeting alleged terrorists. No country has claimed responsibility for the airstrikes.
3 April – 9 April: Libyan National Army launches operation on Tripoli
On 3 April, the Libyan National Army (LNA) announced the launch of its long-anticipated operation in western Libya. On 4 April, LNA leader Khalifa Haftar released a statement declaring Operation “Flood of Dignity” to liberate Tripoli.
27 March – 2 April: ISIS captive identifies leader of kidnapping group as “Yemeni emir”
On 25 March, the Sabratha Security Directorate arrested a suspected ISIS member. On 28 March, a Libyan news media outlet published the testimony of a civilian kidnapped by ISIS late last year. On 1 April, the Misrata Security Directorate disposed of four tonnes of UXOs planted by ISIS in 2016.
27 March – 2 April: Two al-Qaeda members arrested in Misrata
On 29 March, two al-Qaeda members from Derna were reported to have been arrested in Misrata. The individuals are said to have participated in fighting in Syria with the Battar Battalion.