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.

25 Apr – 1 May: Haftar returns to Libya dismissing reports of his ill health

On 26 April, Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar landed at Benghazi. On 27 April, the Awlad Suliman Tribal Council in Sebha issued a statement welcoming Haftar’s return and declaring loyalty and readiness to support him. On 25 April, a delegation from the city of Zintan paid a return visit to Misrata, where delegates from both cities signed a reconciliation agreement.

18 Apr – 24 Apr: LNA CSO motorcade attacked by alleged “terrorist sleeper cells”

On 18 April, a motorcade with Libyan National Army (LNA) Military Governor and LNA chief of Staff Abdulrazzaq al-Nadhouri was attacked by alleged “terrorist sleeper cells” using a VBIED as it moved through Sidi Khalifa, north of Benghazi. On 22 April, the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC), which is currently in the control of the city of Derna, released a conciliatory statement calling for an end to the conflict between itself and the LNA.

18 Apr – 24 Apr: LNA conduct airstrikes near Bani Walid

On 21 April, the LNA said its jets conducted three airstrikes targeting militias near Bani Walid. On 22 April, clashes broke out between police members affiliated with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and LNA-Special Forces fighters in Benghazi. On 20 April, an LNA reconnaissance desert unit and 116th Infantry Battalion arrested two militants in southern Libya.

11 Apr – 17 Apr: LNA arrest Ansar al-Sharia figure while issuing “final readiness” orders for an impending assault on Derna

On 12 April, Libyan National Army (LNA) forces arrested an Ansar al-Sharia (AS) figure from Sirte named Salem Abdul Qaway al-Gaddafi while hiding in the Jufra area. On 14 April, the LNA Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Abdurrazaq al-Nadhouri, issued “final readiness” orders to LNA troops station near Derna heralding an impending assault on the city controlled by the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council.

11 Apr – 17 Apr: Reports of Haftar in French hospital while HoR accept HSC reconciliation invitation

On 10 April, unconfirmed reports began circulating that that Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar, after losing consciousness in Benghazi, was rushed to Amman in Jordan then transferred to the Val-de-Grace hospital in Paris, France. On 11 April, the HoR President Agilah Saleh accepted the invitation of the new head of the Tripoli-based High State Council, Khaled Mishri, to meet for reconciliation talks.