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.
15-21 Nov: LNA Planes and US Drones Launch Airstrikes Against ISIS South of Sirte
On 15 November, the Libyan National Army (LNA) conducted two airstrikes against an ISIS target in the desert 90km south of Harawah, southeast of Sirte. On 17 November, the US reportedly conducted a drone strike against ISIS targets in the desert south of Sirte, reportedly with success, but no information has yet been officially released.
15-21 Nov: LNA Launch Airstrikes On Derna While Egypt Says Attackers in Wahat were Trained in Derna
On 18 November, the LNA conducted two airstrikes against DMSC targets in al-Dahra al-Hamar area, south of Derna. On 16 November, the Egyptian Ministry of Interior said that the perpetrators of an attack against Egyptian police forces in the Wahat area in Egypt on 20 October ,were trained in Derna. On 14 November, the Misrata local attorney released a number of high profile fighters with suspected links to extremist groups, on the grounds of illegal arrest procedures.
15-21 Nov: Serraj Asks US Deputy Secretary To Help To “Sufficiently” Arm Libya’s Anti-Terror Groups
On 18 November, the head of the GNA, Fayez al-Serraj, held a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan in Libya. During the meeting Serraj requested the US continue supporting Libya by helping to “sufficiently” arm its anti-terror organizations. Salame said joint tribunals may be one solution to address lawlessness and impunity in Libya.
15-21 Nov: Salame Tells UNSC That Political Process Is On Track Despite Criticism From Swehli and HoR Disruptions
The UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame made a case to the UN Security Council on 15 November that the Libyan political process was on track. However, President of the HCS Abdurrahman al-Swehli criticised Salame for ‘ignoring’ consensus and ‘partnership’. On 19 November, a delegation of 29 HoR members was not allowed to land in Tubruq airport. The delegation was reportedly intending to vote on the new LPA amendment.
8 – 14 Nov: ISIS Establishes Checkpoints South of Sirte and Claims To Have Repelled LNA attack
ISIS established temporary checkpoints 70 km south of Sirte on the road to Waddan and also near Bohadi village in the same district, on the 8 and 13 November respectively. ISIS’s claims its fighters repelled an attack by the LNA in Cyrenaica on 2 November.
8 – 14 Nov: LNA Announces Victory over Jihadists in Central Benghazi
On 9 November, the LNA claimed complete control of Sidi Khribesh district of Benghazi. The LNA reportedly defeated the remnants of the jihadist coalition hiding there. On 7 November, the death of BRSC member Mohammed Bakr al-Yedri, known as ‘al-Nahla’ led to protests in Misrata.
8 – 14 Nov: 2nd Benghazi Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in US Trial
On 9 November, Mustafa al-Imam, a suspect in the September 2012 attack against the US Special Mission in Benghazi entered a plea of not guilty to terrorism-related charges in the US District Court. President Sisi claims ISIS fighters are entering Egypt through Libya as the Egyptian military claims it destroyed 10 vehicles carrying weapons from Libya. ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda promised to seek new arrest warrants in Libya if war crimes continue.
8-14 Nov: GNA Alliance Defeat LNA-Aligned Force in Warshefana
On 10 November, the GNA military campaign against LNA-affiliated 4th Brigade in Wershefana concluded ‘successfully’. On 11 November, 28 bodies were discovered with bullet wounds and torture marks in Wershefana. On 10 November, Faraj Gaem, GNA deputy MoI in Benghazi, accused the LNA of trying to assassinate him, leading the LNA to arrest him and ban all GNA officials from eastern Libya.
Defusing the Ticking ‘Jihadist’ Timebomb: Can Transitional Justice Help Counter the Trend of Radicalisation in Tunisia?
Defusing the Ticking ‘Jihadist’ Timebomb: Can Transitional Justice Help Counter the Trend of Radicalisation in Tunisia?
In a new working paper published by Hate Speech International, Houda Mzioudet and Eye on ISIS’s Rhiannon Smith discuss radicalization in Tunisia and whether the country’s Transitional Justice process can help diffusing a ‘jihadist’ timebomb in the country. The 29-page report offers insight into radicalisation and violent extremism in Tunisia, looks at its root causes and gives an overview of the Transitional Justice process and its role in the struggle against radicalization in the country.