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.
14 – 20 Feb: GNA appoints new MoI, promotes AIOR commander and reorganizes security in Sirte, while the Supreme Court in Tripoli rules in CDA’s favour
On 15 February, in Tripoli Serraj dismissed the current GNA Minister of Interior al-Aref al-Khoja from his post and replaced him with his deputy minister Brigadier Abdussalam Ashour. The GNA also promoted Sabratha’s Anti ISIS Operation Room Commander Omar Abdul Jalil to Brigadier General and is actively reorganising security architecture Sirte. On 14 February, the Supreme Court in Tripoli ruled in favour of the CDA’s draft constitution.
7 Feb – 13 Feb: VBIED attack by suspected ISIS fighter on LNA checkpoint east of Sidra
On 10 February, three LNA officers belonging to the 165th Brigade were injured in a VBIED attack on their position at the 90km checkpoint, 60 km east of Sidra. The driver of the vehicle is suspected of being an ISIS fighter.
7 Feb – 13 Feb: Benghazi double bombing kills two and injures at least 75
On 9 February, a double bombing occurred at Saad Ibn Ibada mosque in the Majouri district of Benghazi during Friday prayers. The attack killed 2 people and wounded at least 75 people.
7 Feb – 13 Feb: Trump extends national emergency while Netherlands announces Libyan diplomatic office and Italy boosts its African Fund contribution
On 9 February, US President Donald Trump extended the national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for Libya. On 12 February, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Libya announced the opening of a diplomatic office in Tripoli. On 8 February, the Italian government announced an additional 80 million Euros in its African Fund to fight illegal migration.
7 Feb – 13 Feb: al-Werfalli hands himself in while the LNA and AIOR thwart VBIEDs
On 7 February, Mahmoud al-Werfalli, a LNA commander wanted on charges of war crimes by the ICC, handed himself into the LNA for questioning. On 11 February, the LNA affiliated AIOR apprehended a group allegedly plotting to conduct car bombs attacks in Sabratha. On 6 February, the LNA said it had arrested an extremist cell allegedly preparing VBIEDs in the Oil Crescent.
31 Jan – 6 Feb: ISIS linked Indian national allegedly held in Libyan jail while multiple clashes occur between LNA and ISIS.
On 30 January, Indian media reported that an Indian national, who is said to have joined ISIS in Libya in 2016, is allegedly being held in a Libyan jail. On 31 January, the LNA claimed two ISIS affiliates had been killed in clashes in Brak al-Shatti. On 2 February, two purported members of ISIS were killed in fighting near Maradah. On 3 February, three alleged ISIS fighters were also killed in clashes near Waha Company’s Dahra oil field.
31 Jan – 6 Feb: LNA prepares for offensive against DMSC in Derna and asks citizens to move away from possible targets
Last week, the LNA deployed forces from Benghazi and nearby towns to take up positions around Derna and prepare an offensive against the Derna Mujahadeen Shura Council, which controls the city. The LNA’s Omar al-Mukhtar Operation Room Commander asked all citizens to move away from possible targets, indicating that shelling and/or airstrikes may be used.
31 Jan – 6 Feb: Explosive Remnants of War destroyed while report suggests LNA linked groups are stopping Benghazi returnees
On 1 February, UNSMIL said more than 200 tons of Explosive Remnants of War had been destroyed in Libya. On 1 February, HRW published a report suggesting armed groups with links to Khalifa Haftar’s LNA are preventing at least 3,700 families from returning to Benghazi. On 1 February, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, launched the new Joint Operation Themis to assist Italy in its border control activities.
31 Jan – 6 Feb: GNA-aligned Misratan forces prevent Tawerghan IDPs from returning home.
On 1 February, members of the mostly Misratan-staffed Central Region Zone intercepted a convoy of Tawerghan IDPs travelling from Ajdabiya near Bin Jawwad and prevented them from travelling any further west towards their hometown. The incident has received local and international condemnation given an ‘agreement’ was signed ensuring the IDPs could return to their hometown from 1 February.