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.
3 October – 9 October: Egyptian jihadist Hisham al-Ashmawy captured in Derna
On 8 October, the LNA captured former Egyptian Special Forces officer turned jihadist, Hisham al-Ashmawy, in the al-Maghar neighborhood of Derma. Al-Ashmawy was captured with a suicide vest on, which he had failed to detonate.
3 October – 9 October: Italy to hold international conference on Libya
On 2 October, Italy’s Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi stated that Italy would hold an international conference on Libya in the Sicilian capital of Palermo on 12 and 13 November.
3 October – 9 October: GNA announces new security arrangements in Tripoli
On 6 October, the GNA and its new UN-backed Security Arrangements Committee announced new security arrangements in Tripoli. On 7 October, the GNA announced a reshuffle of its cabinet and assigned several new ministers.
26 September – 2 October: ISIS fighters observed south of Sirte
On 30 September, ISIS fighters were observed by local security forces along the coast road between Wadi al-Ahmar and Umm al-Kandil, 90 and 110 km east of Sirte respectively. Security forces have allegedly been dispatched to patrol for ISIS south of the Wadi al-Ahmar region.
26 September – 2 October: DPF suspect of assassination attempt on Dean of Derna Municipality
On 25 September, an attempt to assassinate the Dean of the Derna Municipality, Abdel-Moneim al-Ghaithi, was thwarted following the identification and dismantling of an Improvised Explosive Devise close to his room in the Pearl Hotel. Derna Protection Force (DPF) remnants are suspected of being responsible for the attack.
26 September – 2 October: Foreign aircraft launches airstrike near Ubari
On 26 September, an unidentified foreign aircraft launched an airstrike overnight in the vicinity of Hay al-Baladya, near Ubari. It is unclear who the specific targets were. No group has claimed responsibility. On 28 September, the US and the UK signed an agreement with DCA Mine Action to continue supporting demining projects near Sirte.
26 September – 2 October: GNA to redraw security arrangements in the Tripoli
Following the conclusion of clashes in Tripoli on 25 September, the GNA is moving to redraw security arrangements in the capital through the UN facilitated Security Arrangements Committee of Greater Tripoli. In light of this the GNA Local Government Minister is hosting a meeting of municipal mayors on 2 October to discuss decentralisation and the devolution of security functions to municipalities.
19 September – 25 September: Bodies of those killed by ISIS in Derna recovered
On 24 September, as many as eight dead bodies belonging to the Libyan National Army were unearthed in Derna following the confessions of alleged ISIS militants. On 17 September, the Sirte Protection Force (SPF) uncovered a cache of unexploded ordnance abandoned by ISIS.
19 September – 25 September: Suspected al-Qaeda members attack security official in Sebha
On 21 September, suspected Al-Qaeda members launched an attack using an RPG on a senior security official in Sebha.