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.
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.
15 August – 21 August: PFG and LNA conduct operation to recover stolen vehicles from ISIS
On 15 August, the PFG in collaboration with the LNA recovered seven vehicles stolen by ISIS fighters during a raid on the Greater Man Made River (GMMR) Sarir Station on 12 August.
15 August – 21 August: Senior Benghazi Defence Brigade figure killed in raid
On 18 August, Abdulkader Jumaa Abdul-Hadi Afnish Al-Zwai, a senior leader and founding member of the Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB) and the AROR, died following a raid on his home in Misrata.
15 August – 21 August: UN condemns militias attacking sovereign institutions
On 19 August, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) issued a statement condemning militia groups acting under the Ministry of Interior of the Government of National Accord (GNA) for attacking sovereign institutions.
15 August – 21 August: LNA mobilized forces to Oil Crescent and declare state of emergency
On 15 August, the LNA mobilized its forces to the Oil Crescent and declared a state of emergency in the region following reports of Ibrahim Jadhran allied militias traversing to the Wadi Zamzam area.