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.
17 – 23 Jan: LNA and DMSC clash in southern Derna
On January 20 and 21, the Libyan National Army (LNA) 321 Battalion and Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) were reportedly shelling each other in the southern districts of Derna.
17 – 23 Jan: Italian parliament votes to increase its military presence in Libya
On 17 January, the Italian parliament voted to increase its military presence in Libya to combat illegal immigration and counter terrorism threats. Italian forces are currently positioned in Misrata to manage the military hospital established in September 2016 during the anti-ISIS operations in Sirte.
17 – 23 Jan: LNA undertakes airstrikes as a part of Operation Desert Fury
On 21 January, the Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesperson Ahmed Mismari said that the LNA has carried out airstrikes on Sudanese and Chadian opposition fighters in the south east of Libya, near to Rabiana, as part of Operation Desert Fury. A convoy of 15 vehicles was reportedly hit, with some reports indicating Egyptian support was involved.
10 – 16 Jan: ISIS establish a series of temporary check points near Sirte and the Jufra area
On 11 January, a would-be ISIS bomber surrendered himself to al-Bunyan al-Marsous (BM) forces after defusing the bomb he was instructed to detonate. On 14 January, BM forces arrested an Egyptian who was allegedly hiding and transporting ISIS fugitives out of Sirte.
10 – 16 Jan: Alleged Misrata bound vessel carrying cargo intended for “building bombs used for terrorist acts”
On 8 January, the ship Andromeda – reportedly on its way from Turkey to Misrata – was found to contain 29 containers of explosives and 11 empty Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanks, which the Libyan National Army described as being intended for “building bombs used for terrorist acts.”
10 – 16 Jan: UN Under Secretary General visits Libya
On 10 January, UN Under Secretary General Jeffery Feltman visited Libya and held meetings with Government of National Accord institutions in Tripoli. Feltman reiterated the UN’s backing of UN Envoy Ghassan Salame’s Libya Action Plan, stating there was a “window of opportunity” to successfully end the transition with the Libyan Political Agreement.
10 – 16 Jan: Major clashes break out at Tripoli’s Mitiga airport leaving as many as twenty dead.
On 15 January, major clashes in Tripoli occurred between anti-Libyan National Army (LNA) and pro-Government of National Accord (GNA) militias at Mitiga airport. The attack was reportedly part of a ‘prison break’ assault by the anti-LNA militias from Tajoura (east Tripoli). As many as 20 people were killed and more than 60 injured as a result of the fighting.
3 – 9 Jan: RADA arrest two ISIS fighters connected to a failed car bombing in Tripoli.
On 9 January, Tripoli’s Special Deterrent Force (Rada) announced the arrest of two ISIS fighters who confessed to being responsible for the failed Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) bombing in the al-Dreibi District in southwest Tripoli on 6 January.
3 – 9 Jan: This week there has been no notable incidences connected to Jihadi actors.
While there has been a significant amount of armed group activity in Libya this week, there have been no notable incidences connected to Jihadi actors outside of ISIS. For ISIS activity, see the ISIS in Action section.