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.
1 – 7 Nov: LNA post in Jufra attacked
On 4 November, an LNA security post on the road between Jufra and Brak al-Shatti in south-west Libya was attacked by unknown assailants, killing two people. Reports that ISIS fighters still present on the coast east of Sirte.
1 – 7 Nov: Clashes re-erupt in Benghazi
On 5 November, the GNA- appointed Deputy Minister for Interior in Benghazi, Faraj Gaem, survived an IED assassination attempt on his motorcade and intense clashes broke out in Benghazi between the LNA and ‘remnants’ of the BRSC. In Tripoli, Rada raided a comic con event and Igtet called for the JCP to disband.
1 – 7 Nov: UK asks Libya to extradite Abedi
On 1 November, British police issued an arrest warrant for Hasham Abedi, the brother of the Manchester bomber. Rada is holding him and said they might cooperate. Law suits for war crimes are being filed against Haftar and his family in the US, while Haftar has hired a Washington lobbyist to improve his image.
1-7 Nov: GNA militias launch Warshefana campaign
On 1 November, a new GNA-supported military campaign was launched in Wershefana against LNA-affiliated forces. It is led by Usama al-Juwaili and includes units from Zintan, Tarhouna, and Tripoli. Talks in Egypt last week to unify the Libyan armed forces have stalled following the ‘mystery’ Derna airstrikes.
24-31 October: ISIS Claims 25 Oct. Attack on LNA Checkpoint Near Ajdabiya
The ISIS Amaq news agency claimed responsibility for the 25 October, attack on the ‘Tisan’ checkpoint south of Ajdabiya, which killed at least 3 LNA fighters and left another two injured. Survivors report that the assailants arrived in 7 vehicles and set the entire checkpoint on fire after seizing the LNA’s firearms. It was reported that on 29 October, ISIS fighters established a temporary checkpoint on the coastal highway 20km east of Sirte. The area in question is considered to be under the control of al-Bunyan al-Marsus (BM) forces aligned with the GNA.
24-31 October: US forces captured Mustafa al-Imam in Misrata on 29 October
US Special Operations forces captured 2012 Benghazi Special Mission attack suspect Mustafa al-Imam in Misrata on 29 October. It is reported that Imam was flown to a US Navy vessel and will be transported to the US to face federal prosecution for his alleged involvement in the 2012 attack. On 30 October, the third round of ‘Libyan-Libyan’ meeting between LNA and Misrata military officers was held in Cairo as part of the talks to reunify the Libyan army.
24-31 October: Mass grave with 36 handcuffed bodies discovered near Benghazi
On 26 October, 36 handcuffed bodies were discovered in mass grave 50km south west of Benghazi. They seem to have been executed in the style attributed to LNA field commander Mahmoud al-Werfalli. On 26 October, Misratan security detained three alleged jihadists in Souq al-Khamis, east of Khoms. Clashes were reported in Zliten between forces said to be from Misrata and local Islamist fighters.
24-31 October: Mystery airstrikes kill at least 12 civilians in Derna
On 30 October, airstrikes of unknown origin hit the Dahr al-Hamar and al-Fatieh districts of Derna. The strikes killed at least 12 children and women, and injured many more. Both the LNA and the Egyptian military have denied responsibility for the incident. The LNA said it had set an internal six-month deadline to conclude the ongoing UN dialogue talks or else the LNA would move on Tripoli. Clashes broke out in the center of Zawiyya and near the oil refinery on the evening of 30 October.
17-24 October: LNA alleges that Qatar is funneling ISIS fighters to the south of Libya
Sources from the LNA allegedly told UAE based news outlet, Alittihad, that Qatar is transferring ISIS militants to Libya, after major losses in Iraq and Syria. In Misrata the crackdown on Islamist hardliners and suspected ISIS collaborators continues, last week 13 people were arrested connection with terrorism. On October 19, the LNA allegedly arrested a former ISIS member, Anis Bujeela al-Awami, who was hiding in Derna.