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.
12 December – 18 December: Italy appoints new Ambassador to Libya
On 14 December, Italian diplomat Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi was appointed as Italy’s new ambassador to Libya. On 14 December, US Colonel Adam Chalkley said conditions in Libya were improving for the return of a US diplomatic mission. On 18 December, the EU expanded its EUBAM to actively support Libyan authorities.
12 December – 18 December: LNA deploy more forces to the Oil Crescent
Over the last week, the LNA deployed a significant amount of forces to the Oil Crescent. On 12 December, the Security Information Unit Tripoli Branch announced it had begun enacting new joint security operations in Tripoli.
5 December – 11 December: ISIS execute Fuqaha abductees
On 8 December, ISIS executed six of the ten men they abducted in Fuqaha on 28 October after their demands to release their comrades was rejected.
5 December – 11 December: AQIM deny links to those killed in AFRICOM strikes near al-Uwaynat.
On 6 December, AQIM released a statement denying any links to those killed in the AFRICOM air strikes on 29 November near al-Uwaynat.
5 December – 11 December: Haftar heads to Rome for a meeting with the Italian Prime Minister
On 5 December, the head of the LNA, Khalifa Haftar, arrived in Rome for an unannounced two-day visit. On 4 December, Government of National Accord (GNA) Prime Minister, Fayez al-Serraj, traveled to Brussels to attend a meeting with NATO officials.
5 December – 11 December: LNA removes “terrorist” elements from around Tazirbu
On 4 December, the LNA stated that they had removed “terrorist” elements from the area around Tazirbu. On 4 December, notable deployments of LNA forces to the Oil Crescent began that continued throughout the week.
28 November – 4 December: LNA arrest five ISIS members in Ubari
On 1 December, the Libyan National Army arrested five ISIS members in Ubari. On 30 November, ISIS released its Naba newsletter No. 158 that featured an article detailing the group’s attack on the town of Tazirbu.
28 November – 4 December: Benghazi Defense Brigade convoy observed on the coastal road
On 1 December, a Benghazi Defense Brigade convoy of 40 vehicles was observed driving along the coastal road from Tawergha to Misrata.
28 November – 4 December: AFRICOM conduct an airstrike killing eleven AQIM members near al-Uwaynat
On 29 November, AFRICOM conducted an airstrike killing eleven AQIM members and destroying three vehicles near al-Uwaynat in southern Libya.