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.
28 Mar – 3 Apr: ISIS SVBIED attack on the southern entrance to Ajdabiya while the PC launch new anti-ISIS military operation
On 29 March, ISIS undertook a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack on the southern entrance to Ajdabiya killing 5 people, wounding 6 and damaging at least 6 vehicles. On 2 April, Presidential Council (PC) spokesperson Mohammed al-Sallack announced the launch of a new military operation dubbed Asifat al-Wattan (The Nation’s Storm) with the aim of ending ISIS’s militant presence in Libya.
28 Mar – 3 Apr: Haftar announces the time for DMSC in Derna to lay down its weapons is up
On 1 April, in a media statement, Libyan National Army (LNA) leader Khalifa Haftar warned that the time given to the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) – who occupies and controls the city of Derna – to disarm and lay down their weapons has expired and suggests that major clashes in Derna could start at any time.
28 Mar – 3 Apr: AFRICOM confirms airstrike in Libya killed high-ranking AQIM official
On 28 March, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that on 24 March it had coordinated with the Libyan Government of National Accord to conduct drone strikes targeting a house near Ubari, killing two militants that belonged to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). It disclosed that the strikes had killed Musa Abu Dawud, a high-ranking AQIM official.
28 Mar – 3 Apr: Representatives from Zintan and Misrata meet, while the LNA undertakes airstrikes on Chadian militants in southern Libya
On 28 March, a meeting was held in Zintan between representatives from the western Libyan towns of Zintan and Misrata. The meeting concluded with the scheduling of a follow up meeting in Misrata and the production of a six point communiqué of shared objectives. On 29 March, the Libyan National Army (LNA) undertook airstrikes on a Chadian militant group checkpoint in southern Libya.
21 – 7 Mar: No ISIS developments reported this week
There were no ISIS-related developments reported this week.
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.