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 Feb: Fighting continues in Sebha and clashes breakout near Tripoli
On 26 February, Libya’s National Human Rights Commission confirmed that two civilians have been killed in clashes between Awlad Suliman’s 6th Brigade and Tebu militias in Sabha. On 21 February, a prominent militia leader from Warshefana was killed in an arrest operation in the al-Maya district west of Tripoli, leading to the coastal road being closed.
14 – 20 Feb: Tunisian Foreign Minister suggest ISIS will attempt to return to Libya following its defeat in the Levant
On 18 February, Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui is reported to have stated in an address at the Munich Security Conference in Germany that ISIS will attempt to return to Libya following its defeat in Iraq and Syria.
14 – 20 Feb: LNA offensive against the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council in Derna appears imminent.
An LNA offensive against the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC), which controls Derna, appears imminent. The LNA continues to deploy large ground forces to Derna from Benghazi, Ajdabiya and other areas to prepare for the assault. Haftar dismissed Wanis Bukhamada as head of the Benghazi JSFOR, replacing him with Abdurrazaq al-Nadhouri.
14 – 20 Feb: CHD hold talks with Libyan senior figures, Egypt foils “infiltration attempt” on Libyan border, and Libya suspended to vote at the UN
On 12 – 14 February, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue facilitated talks between a range of different senior Libyan actors in Geneva. On 15 February, the Egyptian army announced it had foiled an “infiltration attempt” on the Libyan border. On 13 February, it was confirmed the UNGA had suspended Libya’s right to vote at the UN for the third year in a row.
14 – 20 Feb: GNA appoints new MoI, promotes AIOR commander and reorganizes security in Sirte, while the Supreme Court in Tripoli rules in CDA’s favour
On 15 February, in Tripoli Serraj dismissed the current GNA Minister of Interior al-Aref al-Khoja from his post and replaced him with his deputy minister Brigadier Abdussalam Ashour. The GNA also promoted Sabratha’s Anti ISIS Operation Room Commander Omar Abdul Jalil to Brigadier General and is actively reorganising security architecture Sirte. On 14 February, the Supreme Court in Tripoli ruled in favour of the CDA’s draft constitution.
7 Feb – 13 Feb: VBIED attack by suspected ISIS fighter on LNA checkpoint east of Sidra
On 10 February, three LNA officers belonging to the 165th Brigade were injured in a VBIED attack on their position at the 90km checkpoint, 60 km east of Sidra. The driver of the vehicle is suspected of being an ISIS fighter.
7 Feb – 13 Feb: Benghazi double bombing kills two and injures at least 75
On 9 February, a double bombing occurred at Saad Ibn Ibada mosque in the Majouri district of Benghazi during Friday prayers. The attack killed 2 people and wounded at least 75 people.
7 Feb – 13 Feb: Trump extends national emergency while Netherlands announces Libyan diplomatic office and Italy boosts its African Fund contribution
On 9 February, US President Donald Trump extended the national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for Libya. On 12 February, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Libya announced the opening of a diplomatic office in Tripoli. On 8 February, the Italian government announced an additional 80 million Euros in its African Fund to fight illegal migration.
7 Feb – 13 Feb: al-Werfalli hands himself in while the LNA and AIOR thwart VBIEDs
On 7 February, Mahmoud al-Werfalli, a LNA commander wanted on charges of war crimes by the ICC, handed himself into the LNA for questioning. On 11 February, the LNA affiliated AIOR apprehended a group allegedly plotting to conduct car bombs attacks in Sabratha. On 6 February, the LNA said it had arrested an extremist cell allegedly preparing VBIEDs in the Oil Crescent.