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 – 12 Dec: Salame launches voter registration for 2018 elections
On 6 December, UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame co-chaired the official launch of the voter registration process for elections in 2018. On 8 December, almost all of Libya’s mayors and municipal councils met in Tunis. The newly formed ’17 December’ movement called for civil disobedience in Tripoli and for LNA control of the city.
29 Nov -5 Dec: ISIS Reported To Be Regrouping In The Valleys South Of Sirte
On 3 November, Zarouk Asuiti, the head of the activation committee of security services in Sirte, stated he has received information suggesting ISIS is regrouping in the valleys south of the city. The Libyan Air Force are said to be flying Mi-35 helicopters over Nawfaliyah-Bin Jawad area following reports of ISIS activity in the area.
29 Nov -5 Dec: Libyan Convicted Of Terrorism Charges For Attacks On US Diplomatic Mission In 2012.
On 28 November, Libyan national Ahmed Abu Khattala, was convicted of terrorism charges related to the 2012 September 11 attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi and the attack on the nearby CIA annex on the 12th. The jury acquitted Khattala of 14 of the 18 charges, which included finding him not guilty of […]
29 Nov -5 Dec: Serraj Visits D.C. While Trump’s “Muslim Ban” Goes Into Effect
On 30 November, Government of National Accord (GNA) Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj met with Secretary of Defense James Mattis at the Pentagon to discuss defense relationships and regional security challenges. This included concerns about how ISIS and al-Qaeda are “taking advantage of ungoverned spaces in Libya to establish sanctuaries for plotting inspiring and directing terrorist […]
29 Nov -5 Dec: Salame Meets Haftar in Cairo
On 3 December, UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame met with Khalifa Haftar in Cairo where he said they discussed the importance of elections for Libya’s future. The two men also discussed efforts to combat terrorism, the current economic crisis, and the recent Cairo meetings between Libyan National Army (LNA) officials and their counterparts from […]
22-28 Nov: LNA Declares Oil Crescent Closed Military Zone Due to ISIS
Last week, the LNA declared the Oil Crescent to be a closed military zone after a number of ISIS convoys were seen inside Harawah town, between Sirte and Sidra. On 26 November, al-Ghani oil field was ransacked and buildings torched by unknown assailants. The LNA announced it captured Dernawi ISIS fighter Anis Bualjieh Awami last month.
22-28 Nov: LNA Hits Derna With More Airstrikes
On 27 November, the LNA conducted an airstrike on DMSC targets in al-Dahra al-Hamar area, south of Derna. On 23 November, a mutiny inside a Misratan prison among Islamist hardliners led to four prisoners fleeing, with two later killed in a faceoff with prison guards.
22-28 Nov: AFRICOM Confirms 2 US Airstrikes Near Fuqaha
AFRICOM confirmed that US forces conducted two airstrikes against ISIS targets near Fuqaha on 17 and 19 November. On 22 November, the Egyptian air force said that it destroyed 10 vehicles attempting to smuggle arms and ammunition through Libya’s western border into Egypt. The Anti Terror Quartet countries added more Libyan nationals to its ‘terrorist’ list.
22-28 Nov: HoR Approves LPA Amendments
On 20 November, the HoR voted to approve the proposed amendments to the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement (LPA). On 23 November, the HCS President Swehli issued a statement rejecting the HoR vote. On 27 November, UN Envoy Salame began a whirlwind tour of Libya visiting Tripoli, Misrata and he plans to visit Benghazi on 29 November.