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.
20 February – 26 February: ISIS member responsible for broadcasting the ISIS radio station “Al-Tawheed” arrested
On 19 February, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, stated that ISIS in Libya was “boosting ties with al-Qaeda.” On 26 February, Tunisian security forces captured ISIS member, Hicham Krouma, who is said to have spent time in Derna. On 26 February, security forces in Sirte arrested ISIS member Ibrahim Mohammed Saleh Al-Qaziri at his home in Sirte.
20 February – 26 February: Misrata arrest suspected al-Qaeda member thought involved in Jordanian ambassador kidnapping
On 25 February, Misratan security forces arrested suspected al-Qaeda member, Ayman Abu Amoud, who is thought to have been involved in the kidnapping of the Jordanian ambassador to Libya, Fawaz al-Itan, in 2014.
20 February – 26 February: Libya signs agreement on Joint Operation Centre for securing common border
On 22 February, ministers from Libya, Niger, Sudan and Chad signed the executive regulations of a new Joint Operations Centre for securing Libya’s common border with Niger, Chad and Sudan. On 24 February, the head of the GNA, Fayez al-Serraj, travelled to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt for joint European Union- African Union summit.
20 February – 26 February: LNA claimed to have taken control of Murzuq
On 20 February, the LNA claimed to have taken control of Murzuq after clashes with the South Protection Force. On 21 February, the Libyan National Army (LNA) announced that it had taken over the security of al-Feel oilfield without any fighting. On 23 February, the LNA’s Tariq bin Zayed Battalion was involved in clashes in the Umm al-Aranib area against Chadian militias.
13 February – 19 February: Unexploded ordnance left by ISIS recovered in Sirte
On 13 February, the Sirte Military Engineering Corps recovered unexploded ordnance left behind by ISIS on the Abu Hadi Road in Sirte. After closing the road for quarter of an hour, the disposal team recovered the explosive and later detonated it.
13 February – 19 February: LNA announce the conclusion of military operations in Derna
On 13 February, the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) spokesperson Ahmed al-Mismari stated that military operations in Derna had concluded. On 13 February, LNA operations to clear Derna’s old city uncovered the bodies of DPF members. On 14 February, the Derna Intelligence Service announced that it had arrested suspected terrorist Muatasim Ahmed Bouktaouh.
13 February – 19 February: US express concerns over events in southern Libya
On 14 February, the US State Department released a statement outlining its concern over events in southern Libya. On 16 February, it was reported that the GNA’s Minister of Interior, Fathi Bashaagha, had met with FBI senior officials in Washington. On 18 February, UN envoy Ghassan Salame arrived in Benghazi to meet with LNA commander Khalifa Haftar.
13 February – 19 February: GNA claim to have coordinated airstrikes with US targeting al-Qaeda
On 13 February, the GNA claimed that it had coordinated an airstrike with joint U.S.-Libyan forces targeting al-Qaeda members near Awbari. The Libyan National Army (LNA) has begun the second phase of its ‘Operation Southern Liberation’ this week, advancing on Umm al-Aranib and launching airstrikes in the Murzuq area.
6 February – 12 February: GNA Foreign Minister participates in anti-ISIS conference
On 7 February, GNA Foreign Minister Mohamed Siyala participated in the Conference of Foreign Ministers of the Intentional Coalition for Defeating ISIS.