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.
24 October – 30 October: Al-Qaeda leader killed in Derna
On 22 October, the Libyan National Army (LNA) killed al-Qaeda leader, Abd Al-Ghaffar Mansour Al-Tashani, during a sniper operation in the al-Maghar district of Derna.
24 October – 30 October: Belgium banks investigated for paying dividends into frozen Libyan accounts
On 29 October, Belgium radio station RTBF claimed that prosecutors are investigating whether Belgium banks had paid out dividends to Libyan bank accounts frozen under the 2011 UN Sanctions. On 17 and 22 October, Russian aircraft landed at the LNA’s al-Khadim airport.
24 October – 30 October: HoR and the HCS agree to reorganize the Presidential Council
On 29 October, the HoR and the HCS announced that they had come to an agreement to reorganize the Presidential Council. On 27 October, the Presidential Council issued a statement announcing the approval of the new security arrangements in the Greater Tripoli area.
17 October – 23 October: ISIS camp discovered near Sirte and three ISIS fighters arrested in Bani Walid
On 20 September, the LNA’s 128th Battalion and the Tariq Ibn Ziyad Brigade uncovered an ISIS camp near Harawah village, east of Sirte. On 16 October, local security forces undertook a raid in Bani Walid, arresting three suspected ISIS fighters.
17 October – 23 October: Commander of the Derna Police Institute survives DPF assassination attempt
On 21 October, the Commander of the Training Wing of the Derna Police Institute survived an assassination attempt by Derna Protection Force remnants in eastern Derna.
17 October – 23 October: Italy’s Prime Minister declares his country ready to facilitate Libyan reconciliation
On 16 October, Italy’s Prime Minister declared that his country was ready to facilitate the Libyan reconciliation process at the “Sicily” International conference in November. On 18 October, the President of the European Parliament urged EU member states to take a unified stance on Libya at the conference.
17 October – 23 October: Libyan military unification talks resume in Cairo while LNA launch Operation “Hawd Murzuq”
On 17 October, Libyan military unification talks resumed in Cairo. The discussions, mediated by Egypt, ended with no formal declaration, resolutions or agreements. On 19 October, the LNA launched Operation “Hawd Murzuq” in an attempt to remove rebel armed groups from southern Libya.
10 October – 16 October: ISIS member connected to groups external operations captured
On October 12, ISIS member Abdelhakim al-Mashout was arrested. On 11 October, ISIS fighters established mobile checkpoints south of Sirte. On 14 October, the 128 Battalion captured the leader of ISIS in the Nawfaliyah area. On 10 October, a mass grave was uncovered in the al-Thahir area previously controlled by ISIS west of the city.
10 October – 16 October: Hisham Ashmawi bodyguard captured
On October 10, the Libyan National Army captured al-Qaeda affiliated Egyptian terrorist Safwat Zeiden who is believed to be the bodyguard of Hisham Ashmawi.