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.
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.
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.