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.
6 June – 12 June: ISIS kill two at a checkpoint in Jufra
On 6 June, local sources claim that ISIS fighters established a fake checkpoint between Zillah and Waddan in the Jufra region and fired upon a vehicle killing two civilians. However, in contrast to this version of events, ISIS published a claim stating that its fighters had killed two LNA soldiers during clashes at an LNA checkpoint in the Jufra district.
6 June – 12 June: Derna Mujahadeen Shura Council religious ideologue and alleged al-Qaeda recruiter killed in Derna
On 9 May, one of the Derna Mujahadeen Shura Council’s key religious ideologues with alleged connections to al-Qaeda, Omar Refaair Sorour, was killed during a Libyan National Army (LNA) air strike on a residential area in downtown Derna.
6 June – 12 June: U.S AFRICOM conducts drone strike on ISIS members near Bani Walid
On 5 June, U.S AFRICOM conducted a drone strike near Eshmikh, 35 km south of Bani Walid, killing four alleged ISIS members. On 6 June, the UN Security Council (UNSC) gathered to discuss the results of the 29 May Paris summit on Libya. On 7 June, the UNSC Libya Sanctions Committee added 6 individuals to their sanctions list.
6 June – 12 June: Operation “Nation Storm” detains four ISIS suspects near Bani Walid
On 9 June, four suspected ISIS fighters were detained as part of the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) operation “Nation Storm.” On 9 May, the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) Operations Commander stated that they intended the Derna siege to end by mid al-Fitr, which is expected to fall on 15 June.
30 May – 5 June: ISIS attack al-Qanan police station south-east of Ajdabiya
On 2 June, ISIS fighters attacked a police station in al-Qanan, 10km south-east of Ajdabiya, killing a civilian and injuring another five. No police were injured or killed despite two police cars being set aflame. The casualties were allegedly a family in a car passing by the raid. A go-pro camera recovered at the scene by the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) 21 Infantry Brigade has shown that the raid involved 8-9 fighters.
30 May – 5 June: LNA claim to have control of 75 percent of Derna
On 5 June, the Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesperson Ahmed al-Mismari announced that LNA forces had taken control of 75 percent of Derna from the DPF. The day before In a video announcement to the LNA and civilians in Derna, Haftar highlighted to his troops the importance of protecting prisoners of war and warned of the dangers to civilians of Derna in aiding and abetting ‘terrorists”.
30 May – 5 June: Libya, Niger, Sudan, and Chad sign agreement to secure Libya’s southern border
On 31 May, an agreement to secure and control Libya’s southern border was signed by Libya, Niger, Sudan, and Chad in the latter’s capital of N’Djamena. The details of how the agreement will be enacted and how this burden will be shared remains unclear.
30 May – 5 June: LNA repel attack at Teminhent airbase while delegates from Misrata and Tawergha sign a reconciliation and return agreement
On 31 May, an armed group reportedly composed of Tebu and members of the defunct Benghazi Defence Brigades attacked Teminhint airbase controlled by the Libyan National Army (LNA). Reports indicate that the LNA’s 116th Battalion repelled the attack after three hours of fighting. On 3 June, delegates from Misrata and Tawergha signed a reconciliation and return agreement that will see as many as 40,000 Tawerghan internally displaced persons (IDP) return to their homes.
23 May – 29 May: ISIS claim responsibility for attacks in Oil Crescent
On 23 May, ISIS claimed responsibility for the two attacks that occurred in the Oil Crescent on May 22 – a suicide vehicle-borne improved explosive device (SVBIED) targeted the Libyan National Army (LNA) 152 Brigade Gate 60, south east of Ajdabiya, while gunmen attacked an LNA checkpoint north of Awjilah kidnapping two guards.