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.
20 March – 26 March: US State Department warned of an imminent attack in Tripoli
On 22 March, the US State Department warned of an imminent attack on a vital national institution in Tripoli on 23 March. On 25 March, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) reviewed its flight ban over Libyan airspace and is set to allow US carriers to fly over the country above 30,000 feet. On 20 March, UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame announced the details of the long-delayed National Conference.
20 March – 26 March: GNA officially endorses new 2019 budget
On 20 March, the Government of National Accord (GNA) officially endorsed the new 2019 budget.
13 March – 19 March: ISIS spokesman comments on fighters in Libya in new speech
On 18 March, ISIS spokesman released a new speech which includes comments on fighters in Libya. On 13 March, Morocco’s BCIJ arrested a six member terrorist cell, with one of the terror suspects having been previously imprisoned over connections to ISIS in Libya. On 8 March, French newspaper Liberation published an article suggesting that a senior figure of ISIS may have visited Libya in April 2017.
13 March – 19 March: French Foreign Minister praises progress against terrorist groups in Libya’s south
On 18 March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian visited Tripoli and praised the “significant progress” made by Haftar in southern Libya “in the face of terrorist groups, organised criminals and armed foreign groups.”
13 March – 19 March: UN announces National Conference will take place in Ghadames on 14-16 April
On 20 March, the UN envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, announced that the UN National Conference will take place in Ghadames on 14-16 April. On 13 March, several ambassadors met with GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj and members of the HCS. On 18 March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian visited Tripoli. On 19 March, US ambassador to Libya Peter Bodde and US AFRICOM commander Thomas Waldhauser flew into Tripoli to meet with Serraj. On 16 March, Deputy UN Envoy Stephanie Williams made a visit to the electoral district of Aziziyya, south-west of Tripoli.
13 March – 19 March: Eastern-based Interim government launches new security operation
On 17 March, the eastern-based Interim government’s launched a security operation to remove “terrorists and criminals” from Libya’s South. On 13 March, al-Bunyan al-Marsous spokesman stated that an attack on Sirte by the LNA would be a declaration of war. On 15 March, the LNA released three Zawiyyan prisoners from Qirnada Prison in eastern Libya. On 18 March, the PC has agreed on a budget of around 48.6 billion LYD for 2019.
6 March – 12 March: Gang suspected to be connected to ISIS arrested in Tripoli
On 7 March, a gang of five men suspected of having connections to ISIS were arrested as they reportedly attempted in to ‘infiltrate’ Tripoli.
6 March – 12 March: Bosnian terror suspect reported to be in Libya
On 6 March, Bosnian security services stated Nusret Imamovic, one of the country’s most wanted terrorists, had arrived in Libya sometime in February.
6 March – 12 March: US company awarded contract to secure Libyan airports
On 7 March, US company Culmen International was awarded a contract to provide security to Mitiga, Tripoli International and Misrata airports. On 8 March, the German-Libya Economic Forum took place in Tunis. On 10 March, the head of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez al-Serraj, met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani.