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.
4 Apr – 10 Apr: LNA arrest ISIS member preparing attack on Zueitina
On 7 April, local Libyan National Army (LNA) affiliated security apprehended a suspected ISIS member who was allegedly preparing to conduct an attack against LNA forces in the coastal town of Zueitina.
4 Apr – 10 Apr: UK “likely” to have communicated with LIFG in 2011 while DMSC undertake surprise attack on LNA
On 3 April, the UK government stated that it was “likely” that it had been in communication with the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) and the 17 February Martys Brigade during the war in Libya in 2011. On 5 April, the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) claimed to have undertaken a surprise attack on Libyan National Army (LNA) forces in southern Derna, allegedly killing two LNA fighters.
4 Apr – 10 Apr: UN release a report on armed groups control of prisons while UNSMIL launch first round of ‘consultative meetings’
On 10 April, the UN released a report exploring armed groups control of prisons in Libya, the subsequent torturing of detainees and how successive government in Tripoli have been inability to curtail these activities. On 5 April, UNSMIL launched its first round of ‘consultative meetings’ in Benghazi and Zuwara, as part of the UN-initiated Libya National Forum followed by meetings in Ghariyan and Brak al-Shatti on 7 April and in Abu Salim on 10 April.
4 Apr – 10 Apr: PC anti-terrorist operation allegedly a success, Khalid Mishri elected as President of HSC and regional delegates meet to secure shared borders
On 9 April, the spokesperson for Presidential Council (PC) reported that the PC’s new anti-terrorist operation had completely removed all elements of terrorist organizations in its operation area. On 8 April, Khalid Mishri was elected as the President of the High Council of State. On 4 April, a Libyan delegation met with representatives from Sudan, Niger, and Chad in the Niger and made an agreement to create a cooperation mechanism to secure common borders.
28 Mar – 3 Apr: ISIS SVBIED attack on the southern entrance to Ajdabiya while the PC launch new anti-ISIS military operation
On 29 March, ISIS undertook a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack on the southern entrance to Ajdabiya killing 5 people, wounding 6 and damaging at least 6 vehicles. On 2 April, Presidential Council (PC) spokesperson Mohammed al-Sallack announced the launch of a new military operation dubbed Asifat al-Wattan (The Nation’s Storm) with the aim of ending ISIS’s militant presence in Libya.
28 Mar – 3 Apr: Haftar announces the time for DMSC in Derna to lay down its weapons is up
On 1 April, in a media statement, Libyan National Army (LNA) leader Khalifa Haftar warned that the time given to the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) – who occupies and controls the city of Derna – to disarm and lay down their weapons has expired and suggests that major clashes in Derna could start at any time.
28 Mar – 3 Apr: AFRICOM confirms airstrike in Libya killed high-ranking AQIM official
On 28 March, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that on 24 March it had coordinated with the Libyan Government of National Accord to conduct drone strikes targeting a house near Ubari, killing two militants that belonged to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). It disclosed that the strikes had killed Musa Abu Dawud, a high-ranking AQIM official.
28 Mar – 3 Apr: Representatives from Zintan and Misrata meet, while the LNA undertakes airstrikes on Chadian militants in southern Libya
On 28 March, a meeting was held in Zintan between representatives from the western Libyan towns of Zintan and Misrata. The meeting concluded with the scheduling of a follow up meeting in Misrata and the production of a six point communiqué of shared objectives. On 29 March, the Libyan National Army (LNA) undertook airstrikes on a Chadian militant group checkpoint in southern Libya.
21 – 7 Mar: No ISIS developments reported this week
There were no ISIS-related developments reported this week.