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.
13 February – 19 February: Unexploded ordnance left by ISIS recovered in Sirte
On 13 February, the Sirte Military Engineering Corps recovered unexploded ordnance left behind by ISIS on the Abu Hadi Road in Sirte. After closing the road for quarter of an hour, the disposal team recovered the explosive and later detonated it.
13 February – 19 February: LNA announce the conclusion of military operations in Derna
On 13 February, the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) spokesperson Ahmed al-Mismari stated that military operations in Derna had concluded. On 13 February, LNA operations to clear Derna’s old city uncovered the bodies of DPF members. On 14 February, the Derna Intelligence Service announced that it had arrested suspected terrorist Muatasim Ahmed Bouktaouh.
13 February – 19 February: US express concerns over events in southern Libya
On 14 February, the US State Department released a statement outlining its concern over events in southern Libya. On 16 February, it was reported that the GNA’s Minister of Interior, Fathi Bashaagha, had met with FBI senior officials in Washington. On 18 February, UN envoy Ghassan Salame arrived in Benghazi to meet with LNA commander Khalifa Haftar.
13 February – 19 February: GNA claim to have coordinated airstrikes with US targeting al-Qaeda
On 13 February, the GNA claimed that it had coordinated an airstrike with joint U.S.-Libyan forces targeting al-Qaeda members near Awbari. The Libyan National Army (LNA) has begun the second phase of its ‘Operation Southern Liberation’ this week, advancing on Umm al-Aranib and launching airstrikes in the Murzuq area.
6 February – 12 February: GNA Foreign Minister participates in anti-ISIS conference
On 7 February, GNA Foreign Minister Mohamed Siyala participated in the Conference of Foreign Ministers of the Intentional Coalition for Defeating ISIS.
6 February – 12 February: Remaining Derna Protection Force fighters surrender in Derna
On 9 February, the eastern-based interim government aligned with Khalifa Haftar’s LNA announced the conclusion of military operations in Derna. On 12 February, the 46 remaining fighters belonging to the Derna Protection Force surrendered to the LNA. On 8 February, security forces in Misrata arrested two suspected al-Qaeda members.
6 February – 12 February: US accused Russia of attempting to increase presence in Libya
On 9 February, US AFRICOM accused Russia of attempting to increase its presence in Libya. On 9 February, the UN Envoy to Libya held several side meetings on Libya at the African Union Summit in Ethiopia. On 11 February, House of Representative members met with the UK Ambassador to Libya in Tobruk.
6 February – 12 February: The LNA extends its reach towards Sharara
On 7 February, the LNA extended its reach towards the Sharara and al-Feel oilfields. On 9 February, the LNA air force carried out airstrikes near al-Feel airstrip. On 11 February, a deal was struck between the LNA and the unit that currently guards Sharara. On 8 February, the TPF announced that it would be integrating into a new, larger coalition and the 301 Brigade took positions in southern Tripoli.
30 January – 5 February: Ansar al-Sharia and ISIS loyalist arrested in Sirte
On 31 January, the Sirte-based 166 Battalion arrested Khalifa Barq, a notable leader of Ansar al-Sharia and ISIS loyalist.