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.
31 Jan – 6 Feb: ISIS linked Indian national allegedly held in Libyan jail while multiple clashes occur between LNA and ISIS.
On 30 January, Indian media reported that an Indian national, who is said to have joined ISIS in Libya in 2016, is allegedly being held in a Libyan jail. On 31 January, the LNA claimed two ISIS affiliates had been killed in clashes in Brak al-Shatti. On 2 February, two purported members of ISIS were killed in fighting near Maradah. On 3 February, three alleged ISIS fighters were also killed in clashes near Waha Company’s Dahra oil field.
31 Jan – 6 Feb: LNA prepares for offensive against DMSC in Derna and asks citizens to move away from possible targets
Last week, the LNA deployed forces from Benghazi and nearby towns to take up positions around Derna and prepare an offensive against the Derna Mujahadeen Shura Council, which controls the city. The LNA’s Omar al-Mukhtar Operation Room Commander asked all citizens to move away from possible targets, indicating that shelling and/or airstrikes may be used.
31 Jan – 6 Feb: Explosive Remnants of War destroyed while report suggests LNA linked groups are stopping Benghazi returnees
On 1 February, UNSMIL said more than 200 tons of Explosive Remnants of War had been destroyed in Libya. On 1 February, HRW published a report suggesting armed groups with links to Khalifa Haftar’s LNA are preventing at least 3,700 families from returning to Benghazi. On 1 February, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, launched the new Joint Operation Themis to assist Italy in its border control activities.
31 Jan – 6 Feb: GNA-aligned Misratan forces prevent Tawerghan IDPs from returning home.
On 1 February, members of the mostly Misratan-staffed Central Region Zone intercepted a convoy of Tawerghan IDPs travelling from Ajdabiya near Bin Jawwad and prevented them from travelling any further west towards their hometown. The incident has received local and international condemnation given an ‘agreement’ was signed ensuring the IDPs could return to their hometown from 1 February.
24 – 30 Jan: A cooperative effort has begun in Sirte to recover the bodies of ISIS fighters.
On 27 January, a cooperative effort began between the al-Bunyan al-Marsous Security Directorate of Sirte and the Red Crescent of Misrata to recover the bodies of ISIS fighters buried in Sirte’s neighborhood 600 and 656.
24 – 30 Jan: Dual bombing in Benghazi causes at least 40 deaths
On 23 January, a dual bombing in Benghazi led to at least 40 deaths, with many of those critically injured in the initial attack subsequently dying from their wounds. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, LNA- affiliated groups have blamed jihadists. On 29 January, the DMSC executed 3 people who they accused of being LNA loyalists.
24 – 30 Jan: UN and ICC condemn executions and call for Werfalli’s arrest
UNSMIL and the ICC have condemned the summary executions of 10 LNA prisoners by Mahmoud al-Werfalli in Benghazi on 24 January and called for the implementation of the ICC arrest warrant for Werfalli. On 25 January, UNSMIL launched an appeal for US$313 million from donors as part of its 2018 Libya Humanitarian Response Plan.
24 – 30 Jan: LNA field commander Mahmoud al-Werfalli publically executes 10 prisoners.
On 24 January, Mahmoud al-Werfalli publicly executed 10 people imprisoned by the LNA in Benghazi following a double bomb attack in the city. On 26 January, 5 more bodies of accused jihadists were found in Lithi. On 24 January, GNA forces arrested 6 people accused of trafficking and torturing Sudanese migrants south of Sirte.
17 – 23 Jan: Ghanaian security forces arrest returnee with suspected links to ISIS in Libya
On 15 January, Ghanaian security forces arrested three returnees from Libya planning a terrorist-related attack. One of the suspects, Ishmael Ali Musa, is alleged to have connections to ISIS in Libya.