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.
6 February – 12 February: Remaining Derna Protection Force fighters surrender in Derna
On 9 February, the eastern-based interim government aligned with Khalifa Haftar’s LNA announced the conclusion of military operations in Derna. On 12 February, the 46 remaining fighters belonging to the Derna Protection Force surrendered to the LNA. On 8 February, security forces in Misrata arrested two suspected al-Qaeda members.
6 February – 12 February: US accused Russia of attempting to increase presence in Libya
On 9 February, US AFRICOM accused Russia of attempting to increase its presence in Libya. On 9 February, the UN Envoy to Libya held several side meetings on Libya at the African Union Summit in Ethiopia. On 11 February, House of Representative members met with the UK Ambassador to Libya in Tobruk.
6 February – 12 February: The LNA extends its reach towards Sharara
On 7 February, the LNA extended its reach towards the Sharara and al-Feel oilfields. On 9 February, the LNA air force carried out airstrikes near al-Feel airstrip. On 11 February, a deal was struck between the LNA and the unit that currently guards Sharara. On 8 February, the TPF announced that it would be integrating into a new, larger coalition and the 301 Brigade took positions in southern Tripoli.
30 January – 5 February: Ansar al-Sharia and ISIS loyalist arrested in Sirte
On 31 January, the Sirte-based 166 Battalion arrested Khalifa Barq, a notable leader of Ansar al-Sharia and ISIS loyalist.
30 January – 5 February: LNA arrest al-Qaeda member in Sebha
On 29 January, the LNA arrested al-Qaeda member Alamin Ali Kalfa near Sebha. On 2 February, LNA forces and the Derna Protection Force clashed in the old city area of Derna.
30 January – 5 February: French fighter jets launch airstrike on Libyan convoy
On 3 February, French fighter jets had launched airstrikes on armed groups that entered northern Chad from Libya. On 2 February, UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame announced the start of a tour of meetings with key Libyan political figures. On 2 February, European Union representative, Federica Mogherini, stated that there was consensus on Operation Sophia. On 30 January, the GNA’s Minister of Interior met with US Charge d’Affaires to Libya.
30 January – 5 February: LNA operations push further south into the Murzuq area
The Libyan National Army (LNA) mobile force continued to advance southward into the Murzuq region last week. On 30 January, LNA spokesman stated that the LNA now has three axes of connection to Libya’s western region coinciding with several declarations of support for the LNA in the region. On 2 February, the GNA’s Chief of Staff stated that the GNA was not coordinating with the LNA in the south.
23 January – 29 January: Tunisia prepares to repatriate children whose parents fought for ISIS in Libya
On 27 January, a Tunisian government delegation travelled to the Libyan Red Crescent branch in Misrata to complete repatriation procedures for children whose Tunisian parents fought for ISIS in Sirte.
23 January – 29 January: LNA kill AQIM field commander in Sebha
On 27 January, the LNA claim to have killed AQIM field commander Adel Ahmad al-Abdali during a raid in the Hijarah area of Sebha. On 24 January, Anti-Terror Forces in Misrata arrested a terror suspect, Ali Amin. On 27 January, the Criminal Investigation Agency of Misrata arrested terror suspect, Zakaria Saleh al-Sheikh, in Misrata.