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.
24 – 30 Jan: A cooperative effort has begun in Sirte to recover the bodies of ISIS fighters.
On 27 January, a cooperative effort began between the al-Bunyan al-Marsous Security Directorate of Sirte and the Red Crescent of Misrata to recover the bodies of ISIS fighters buried in Sirte’s neighborhood 600 and 656.
24 – 30 Jan: Dual bombing in Benghazi causes at least 40 deaths
On 23 January, a dual bombing in Benghazi led to at least 40 deaths, with many of those critically injured in the initial attack subsequently dying from their wounds. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, LNA- affiliated groups have blamed jihadists. On 29 January, the DMSC executed 3 people who they accused of being LNA loyalists.
24 – 30 Jan: UN and ICC condemn executions and call for Werfalli’s arrest
UNSMIL and the ICC have condemned the summary executions of 10 LNA prisoners by Mahmoud al-Werfalli in Benghazi on 24 January and called for the implementation of the ICC arrest warrant for Werfalli. On 25 January, UNSMIL launched an appeal for US$313 million from donors as part of its 2018 Libya Humanitarian Response Plan.
24 – 30 Jan: LNA field commander Mahmoud al-Werfalli publically executes 10 prisoners.
On 24 January, Mahmoud al-Werfalli publicly executed 10 people imprisoned by the LNA in Benghazi following a double bomb attack in the city. On 26 January, 5 more bodies of accused jihadists were found in Lithi. On 24 January, GNA forces arrested 6 people accused of trafficking and torturing Sudanese migrants south of Sirte.
17 – 23 Jan: Ghanaian security forces arrest returnee with suspected links to ISIS in Libya
On 15 January, Ghanaian security forces arrested three returnees from Libya planning a terrorist-related attack. One of the suspects, Ishmael Ali Musa, is alleged to have connections to ISIS in Libya.
17 – 23 Jan: LNA and DMSC clash in southern Derna
On January 20 and 21, the Libyan National Army (LNA) 321 Battalion and Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) were reportedly shelling each other in the southern districts of Derna.
17 – 23 Jan: Italian parliament votes to increase its military presence in Libya
On 17 January, the Italian parliament voted to increase its military presence in Libya to combat illegal immigration and counter terrorism threats. Italian forces are currently positioned in Misrata to manage the military hospital established in September 2016 during the anti-ISIS operations in Sirte.
17 – 23 Jan: LNA undertakes airstrikes as a part of Operation Desert Fury
On 21 January, the Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesperson Ahmed Mismari said that the LNA has carried out airstrikes on Sudanese and Chadian opposition fighters in the south east of Libya, near to Rabiana, as part of Operation Desert Fury. A convoy of 15 vehicles was reportedly hit, with some reports indicating Egyptian support was involved.
10 – 16 Jan: ISIS establish a series of temporary check points near Sirte and the Jufra area
On 11 January, a would-be ISIS bomber surrendered himself to al-Bunyan al-Marsous (BM) forces after defusing the bomb he was instructed to detonate. On 14 January, BM forces arrested an Egyptian who was allegedly hiding and transporting ISIS fugitives out of Sirte.