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.
30 Aug- 5 Sept: ISIS Claim Car Bomb Killing 4 in Nawfaliya
ISIS media claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack on a Libyan National Army (LNA) checkpoint at the entrance of al-Nawfaliya town, on 31 August. It was reported that ISIS units moved in to al-Teysseen, a town 90 kms east of Sirte, on 1 September. They allegedly held an Eid prayer in the local mosque and took positions in the town. The LNA air force launched a series of airstrikes targeting ISIS positions, from Ras Lanuf airstrip on 2 September.
30 Aug- 5 Sept: French FM Visits Libya
The French Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian visited Libya on 4 September. A French diplomatic source said the visit was intended to dovetail with efforts by U.N. Envoy Ghassan Salamé to announce a road map to elections during the coming U.N. General Assembly.
30 Aug- 5 Sept: Misrata Counter Terrorism Unit Arrests BDB Member
Misrata Counter Terrorism Unit arrested a senior member of the BDB, Ahmed Bakir, for alleged cooperation with ISIS and supplying foreign mercenaries to extremist groups. The CT unit also released a ‘confessions’ video of senior BRSC affiliate, Mohammed al-Khafifi, admitting membership in ISIS and claiming that his group had cooperated with the BDB in a number of suicide attacks
30 Aug- 5 Sept: Serraj Snubs East with New CoS appointment
On 30 August, Serraj appointed a Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army under the GNA, a move rejected by the LNA. On 1 September, a Zawiyya militia attacked a demonstration in commemoration of Gaddafi’s revolution, organised by local rivals affiliated with the LNA.
The Decline of ISIS in Libya and the Levant is a Concern for Tunisia
The Decline of ISIS in Libya and the Levant is a Concern for Tunisia
In an article for the Middle East Eye, Rhiannon Smith and Lachlan Wilson discuss how the military gains against ISIS first in Libya then in the Levant could have a destabilising impact on Tunisia as the thousands of Tunisians fighting overseas for IS begin to return home and look to establish a new IS vanguard in North Africa. This could result in an increased ISIS presence in Tunisia itself or a regrouping of IS cells with Tunisian support in Libya’s deserts and potential hotspots such as Sabratha.
August 22-29: ISIS Beheads 11 in attack near Jufra
On 23 August, Islamic State (ISIS) fighters attacked the Libyan National Army (LNA)-controlled al-Fugaha checkpoint in Jufra. Eleven victims were beheaded. On 27 August, Amaq released a new video showing two abductees and featuring several ISIS fighters guarding a checkpoint on a road near Jufra, south of Sirte.
August 22-29: British FM meets with Haftar in Benghazi
British FM met with Haftar in Benghazi, marking a turning point in the UK’s recognition of Haftar as a major player. However, Johnson warned the Haftar to abide by the Paris agreement made in July. On 28 August, Macron hosted a meeting with EU and North African countries on the Libyan migrant crisis.
August 22-29: Usama Jadhran Arrested in Misrata
On 27 August, Serraj met with Sudanese president Bashir and they agreed to cooperate on security issues with a particular emphasis on fighting terrorism and border security. Misratan security forces arrested Usama Jadhran in Misrata for his alleged membership of Ansar al-Sharia and connections with ISIS.
August 22-29: Haftar, Nayed Launch Presidential Bids
Haftar, Nayed and Igtit have indirectly launched their bids for candidacy in prospective presidential elections in 2018. In a video resignation, Mustafa Abu Shagour pointed to Ageelah Saleh and the HoR’s reluctance to move forward with amendments to the LPA as major reason for his departure.