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.
23 January – 29 January: France plan to reopen embassy in Libya this year
On 26 January, France announced it is planning to reopen its embassy in Libya this year. On 25 January, Russia’s Foreign Minister suggested that election deadlines for Libya were not constructive. On 24 January, Libya, Niger, Chad and Sudan agreed to have a ministerial meeting on border control. On 22 January, the GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj met with the US Ambassador to Libya.
23 January – 29 January: LNA label UN Envoy an “opponent”
On 23 January, the LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari labelled UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame as an ‘opponent.’ The military campaign launched by the LNA to exert its control over the southern region made notable progress. On 26 January, the head of the HSC Khalid al-Mishri resigned from the Muslim Brotherhood.
16 January – 22 January: LNA claimed to have killed the commander of ISIS’s desert brigades
On 17 January, the LNA claimed to have killed the commander of ISIS’s desert brigades Mahdi Rajab Danqou. On 17 January, the Libyan Red Crescent branch in Misrata called on the Tunisian government to accept six children whose Tunisian parents fought for ISIS in Sirte in 2016.
16 January – 22 January: LNA claimed to have killed senior AQIM member
On 17 January, the LNA claimed to have killed senior Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) member Abdelmonem Al-Hasnawi (aka Abu Tallha al-Libi).
16 January – 22 January: Italian Deputy Prime Minister says France has no interest in stabilising Libya
On 22 January, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said that France has no interest in stabilising the situation in Libya, ‘probably because it has oil interests that are opposed to those of Italy.’ On 18 January, German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that Germany’s policy approach to Libya follows a similar style as the Italian government.
16 January – 22 January: LNA pushes forward with its campaign to secure the southern region
On 21 January, a ceasefire agreement was reached between the TPR and the 7th Brigade following clashes in southern Tripoli. Over the last week, the Libyan National Army (LNA) has continued to consolidate its presence in and around Sebha as a part of its campaign to secure the southern region.
9 January – 15 January: Rada release details on suspects involved in ISIS attacks in Tripoli
On 7 January, Rada released information on individuals suspected of orchestrating recent ISIS attacks in Tripoli and the Oil Crescent. On 8 January, Fathi Bashaga suggests ISIS is operating freely in the greater Tripoli region. On 10 January, unconfirmed reports suggesting two ISIS fighters were arrested in Tripoli. On 9 January, the body of the former leader of ISIS in Libya, Abu Nabil al-Anbari, was uncovered in a mass grave in Derna.
9 January – 15 January: Tripoli’s Dhat al-Imad office complex evacuated following reports of a bomb threat
On 11 January, the General Security Directorate defused an IED in a deserted farm in western Tripoli. On 10 January, Tripoli’s Criminal Investigation Department evacuated the Dhat al-Imad office complex following reports of a bomb threat.
9 January – 15 January: UN Envoy travels to southern Libya for meetings with local officials and dignitaries
On 13 January, UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame travelled to southern Libya for meetings with local officials and dignitaries. On 13 January, the head of the GNA Fayez al-Serraj pulled Libya from the Arab Economic Summit.