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.
9 January – 15 January: LNA confirm operation to liberate southern Libya
On 15 January, LNA confirmed that an operation to liberate southern Libya from “terrorist” groups is underway. On 8 January, the LNA’s Military Police Brigade was deployed to Ras Lanuf and Brega to facilitate security in the Oil Crescent. On 8 January, three Presidential Council members instructed all government staff to cease supporting PC head Fayez al-Serraj.
2 January – 8 January: LNA forces rescue 20 civilians captured by ISIS
On 1 January, LNA forces undertook security operations around Ghadduwah that resulted in the rescue of as many as 20 civilians captured by ISIS fighters during attacks by the group on al-Fuqaha and Tazerbu late last year.
2 January – 8 January: Ansar al-Sharia member arrested in Zawiyya
On 7 January, security forces arrested a former member of Ansar al-Sharia, Amad al-Ghariyani. On 2 January, Nigeria’s Defence Minister, stated that several Nigerien solders were attacked by ‘fundamentalist’ fighters based in Libya.
2 January – 8 January: Serraj meets with Russian Ambassador to Libya
On 6 January, Fayez al-Serraj met with Russian Ambassador to Libya, Ivan Molotkov. On 5 January, Germany declared it will use its membership on the UN Security Council to support UNSMIL efforts. On 2 January, the GNA’s Interior Minister met with the British Charge d’Affairs.
2 January – 8 January: Attorney General issues arrest warrants for members of opposition groups
On 3 January, the Attorney General issued warrants for 31 members of Chadian and Sudanese opposition groups and 6 Libyan nationals.
26 December – 1 January: ISIS claim responsibility for the attack on Libya’s Foreign Ministry
On 27 December, ISIS’s al-Naba newsletter no. 162 outlined details of the group’s attack on the Libya’s Foreign Ministry in Tripoli on 25 December. On 23 December, thirty-four bodies of Ethiopian Christian nations killed by ISIS in 2016 were discovered in Sirte.
26 December – 1 January: LNA clash with Benghazi Defence Brigades near Bani Walid
On 24 December, the Libyan National Army’s 73 Brigade clashed with Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB) forces in Wadi Dinar, southeast of Bani Walid.
26 December – 1 January: Russian Envoy says Said al-Islam Qaddafi has right to run for president
On 27 December, Russian Envoy Mikhail Bogdanov said Saif al-Islam Qaddafi has the right to run for president in the elections next year.
26 December – 1 January: Directors of security in Tripoli and Benghazi meet to discuss unification
On 29 December, the Directors of security in Tripoli and Benghazi met in Benghazi to discuss unification. On 27 December, a Chadian rebel militia attacked the LNA’s 10th Brigade leaving one dead and 12 more wounded at Taraghin.