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.
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.
10 October – 16 October: Italy invites Ageela Saleh to “Sicily” conference and Russia confirms its attendance
On 10 October, Italy invited the head of Libya’s House of Representatives to its “Sicily” international conference on Libya in November. Two days earlier Russia’s Foreign Minister confirmed that a Russian representative would attend.
10 October – 16 October: LNA launches airstrikes on Chadian “mercenaries” south of Tmassah
On 13 October, the LNA launched airstrikes on a convoy of Chadian mercenaries in the southern Tmassah area. On 14 October, fighting occurred between a coalition composed of the Khalid Bin Walid brigade and the Waw brigade against and a Chadian militia east of Tmassah.
3 October – 9 October: Sirte Protection Force on alert following reports of ISIS movement
Throughout last week the Sirte Protection Force (SPF) was on a state of alert following reports of the presence of ISIS fighters near Sirte. Several days before, the SPF posted photos of their manned checkpoints on the outskirts of the city.