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.
5 September – 11 September: Tripoli militias sign UNSMIL eight point agreement
On 9 September, UNSMIL gathered together the key rival factions involved in the militia clashes in Tripoli that began on 26 August to sign an eight-point agreement that included a pledge to refrain from extorting sovereign institutions. This is the second meeting in over a fortnight, with the first initiating the current ceasefire.
29 August – 4 September: ISIS fighters detain civilian near Sirte
On 27 August, ISIS fighters are reported to have briefly detained a civilian 70 km south of Sirte. The Sirte Protection Force has since raised the security levels to critical.
29 August – 4 September: LNA and DFP clash in Derna leaving 11 dead
On 1 September, fighting between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and the remnants of the Derna Protection Force (DPF) renewed in Derna, reportedly left 11 LNA fighters dead and 19 injured.
29 August – 4 September: US AFRICOM confirm airstrike on suspected ISIS fighter in Bani Walid
On 28 August, US AFRICOM said it had killed a suspected ISIS fighter in an airstrike in Bani Walid. UNSMIL held a meeting on 4 September with all involved parties in Tripoli to try and reach a ceasefire agreement.
29 August – 4 September: Major conflict erupts between militias in Tripoli
Major conflict erupted between militias in Tripoli on 27 August that has expanded over the following days into what seems to be a semi-coordinated military campaign aimed at eradicating the power of Tripoli-based militias, by an alliance of forces primarily including Tarhuna, Misrata and Zintan.
22 – 28 August: ISIS claims attack on Kaam checkpoint
On 23 August, ISIS claimed an attack on the Kaam checkpoint 20 km east of Khoms. Six members of the GNA-affiliated Special Operations Force were killed. The attack was reportedly conducted by three men, one of whom was killed, using automatic rifles and PRGs.
22 – 28 August: Jalu forces arrest foreign fighter cell
The local security directorate in Jalu region announced last week that it had arrested a foreign fighter cell, reportedly preparing for operations against the Libyan National Army (LNA).
22 – 28 August: AFRICOM strikes suspected ISIS fighter in Bani Walid
On 28 August, US AFRICOM said it had killed a suspected ISIS fighter in an airstrike in Bani Walid in coordination with the GNA. It didn’t name the person who was killed, but local residents named him as Walid Bu Hariba, a Libyan from Sirte.
22 – 28 August: Clashes between Kani and Tripoli militias erupts in south Tripoli
On 26 August, the Kani militia (also known as the 7th ‘Liwa’) deployed from Tarhuna to south Tripoli. The move provoked Tripoli armed groups to deploy reinforcements to these fronts. On 27 August, clashes broke out between the militias south of Tripoli. A temporary ceasefire held on 28 August but the situation remains volatile.