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.
19 December – 25 December: ISIS attack foreign ministry in Tripoli
On 25 December, four ISIS fighters undertook a suicide attack on Libya’s foreign ministry in Tripoli, killing three people and wounding at least 21 more.
19 December – 25 December: “Extremists” attack Port of Benghazi
On 19 December, unconfirmed reports suggest “extremists” undertook a suicide bombing on the Port of Benghazi. On 16 December, Libyan National Army (LNA) and Derna Protection Forces (DPF) clashed in the old city of Derna.
19 December – 25 December: Italian PM meetings Libyan leaders
On 23 December, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte visited the head of the LNA, Khalifa Haftar, in al-Rajma and the head of the GNA, Fayez al-Serraj, in Tripoli.
19 December – 25 December: The LNA undertake a pre-emptive attack on Ibrahim Jadhran
On 19 December, the LNA undertook a pre-emptive attack on Ibrahim Jadhran. On 22 December, the east-based Interim Government declared a state of high alert in Benghazi. On 18 December, four Tripoli militias announced their merger.
12 December – 18 December: ISIS distribute leaflets threatening western Libya towns
On 13 December, ISIS distributed leaflets threatening to attack security institutions and personnel in Rajban and Zintan.
12 December – 18 December: Heavy clashes between LNA and DPF
On 17 December, heavy clashes occurred between LNA forces and Derna Protection Force (DPF) remnants in Derna. On 11 December, the BDB took control of a checkpoint in Abu Grein.
12 December – 18 December: Italy appoints new Ambassador to Libya
On 14 December, Italian diplomat Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi was appointed as Italy’s new ambassador to Libya. On 14 December, US Colonel Adam Chalkley said conditions in Libya were improving for the return of a US diplomatic mission. On 18 December, the EU expanded its EUBAM to actively support Libyan authorities.
12 December – 18 December: LNA deploy more forces to the Oil Crescent
Over the last week, the LNA deployed a significant amount of forces to the Oil Crescent. On 12 December, the Security Information Unit Tripoli Branch announced it had begun enacting new joint security operations in Tripoli.
5 December – 11 December: ISIS execute Fuqaha abductees
On 8 December, ISIS executed six of the ten men they abducted in Fuqaha on 28 October after their demands to release their comrades was rejected.