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.
21 – 27 Mar: LNA acts to disperse or disband Salafist militia units in eastern Libya
On 24 March, the LNA aligned Salafist ‘Arrest and Investigation Units’ of Benghazi and Ajdabiya were disbanded with their respective members re-integrated into the Internal Security Organisations in their respective cities. On 23 March, the Tarik Ben Zeyad brigade, who are one of the two most powerful Salafist brigades aligned to the LNA, deployed to southern Libya.
21 – 27 Mar: US drone strikes target AQIM while UN Envoy concedes LPA amendments are unlikely
On 24 March, the US military undertook drone strikes targeting a house near Ubari, allegedly killing two militants that belonged to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. On 22 March, the UN Special Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame briefed to the UNSC and conceded that an amendment to the Libyan Political Agreement leading to a final unified government before elections was unlikely.
21 – 27 Mar: Cairo military discussions conclude, Zintan forces take control of coastal road and PC sends peace delegation to Sebha
On 20 March, the sixth round of discussions aimed at unifying Libya’s military concluded in Cairo. On 19 March, Zintan Special Forces led by Emad Trabilsi took control of the 27km checkpoint on the main Tripoli-Zawiyya coastal road. On 21 March, a so-called “Ceasefire Committee” created by the Presidential Council arrived in Sebha to negotiate peace between the clashing Awlad Sulieman and Tebu tribes.
14 – 20 Mar: Libyan news outlet suggests ISIS intends to take over a specific town in the Oil Crescent
On 13 March, a Libyan news outlet published an article suggesting that ISIS intends to take control over a specific Oil Crescent town. The article alleged that it had been following several members online through social media.
14 – 20 Mar: LNA arrest 16 alleged “terrorists” in the Kufra region
On 18 March, the Libyan National Army (LNA) released details of the arrest of 16 alleged “terrorists” in the Kufra region of southern Libya carrying Syrian and Sudanese passports.
14 – 20 Mar: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy in custody for questioning due to financial ties with Muammar al-Qadhafi
On 20 March, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was reportedly remanded in custody for questioning in relation to an ongoing investigation concerning the provision of financial assistance to his 2007 election campaign by Muammar al-Qadhafi.
14 – 20 Mar: 6th round of discussions aimed at unifying Libya’s military occur in Cairo
On 18 March, the sixth round of discussions, mediated by Egypt, aimed at unifying Libya’s military began in Cairo. On 14 March, a High Council of State (HCS) convoy, that included its chairman Abdul-Rahman al-Swehli, was fired upon at the Najah checkpoint in the Nafousa Mountains near Gwalish.
7 – 13 Mar: ISIS members killed in Derna and claim attack near Ajdabiya
On 11 March, the LNA spokesperson announced that its Sirte Operations Room had killed three ISIS leaders fleeing Derna. On 8 March, a SVBIED attacked a LNA checkpoint south east of Ajdabiya. Two Sudanese civilians and one LNA fighter were reportedly wounded.
7 – 13 Mar: Saudi Arabia extradites alleged al-Qaeda members to Libya
On 11 March, it was reported that Saudi Arabia had extradited to the LNA two alleged al-Qaeda members accused of abducting five Egyptian diplomats in Tripoli in 2014. The two suspects were arrested in June 2017 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and are said to be members of the al-Qaeda aligned Libyan militant groups.