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.
1-8 August: Italian Authorities Accuse ISIS and Italian Mafia of Cooperation
Despite a lack of concrete evidence of connection between the mafia and extremist groups, rumors circulate about cooperation in the illicit economy via fuel and drug smuggling in the Sahara Desert. GNA- aligned al-Bunyan al-Marsus forces continue to conduct anti-ISIS reconnaissance missions in Abu Hadi area, south of Sirte.
1-8 August: UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame Makes First Official Visit to Libya
On August 3, an Italian naval patrol boat, the Commandante Borsini, arrived in Tripoli with a group of experts for a five-day working visit; a second vessel is expected to replace it on August 8. LNA commander Khalifa Haftar called on Libyan armed forces in the west to repel Italian vessels with force should they enter Libyan waters. Those who oppose the Italians see their presence as a violation of Libyan sovereignty and evidence of imperial intent.
1-8 August: Siege of Derna intensifies as Saiqa Special Forces join LNA Forces against DMSC
In late July after the DMSC downed an LNA jet over Derna and alleged killed and mutilated its pilot Adel Jehani, triggering a tightening of the LNA siege on the city. Local sources report that the LNA’s Saiqa Special Forces have reportedly moved to Derna to join the LNA in preparation for a major assault on the city in conjunction with an internal uprising, targeting key DMSC leaders and military targets.
1-8 August: Misratan and LNA Delegations Bridge Divides in Cairo
On 1-3 August, Egypt facilitated mediation talks between LNA and Misratan delegations in Cairo. A understanding between both delegations hinged on respect of Libya’s unity and sovereignty, efforts to avoid bloodshed, build a civilian state, discard all kinds of foreign intervention and fight terrorism and criminal groups, including militias.
July 24-August 1st 2017: Eastern Libyan Delegation Visits Egypt; UNSC and USDOS Endorse Paris Meeting
On 27 July, the UN Security Council (UNSC) announced its support for the joint declaration issued following the meeting between Serraj and Haftar in Paris. The US State Department published a similar endorsement and restated its commitment to peace in Libya. On 30 July, large delegations from eastern Libya, including HoR president Agilah Saleh, attended meetings in Cairo facilitated by the Egyptian Foreign Minister and Chief of Staff.
July 24-August 1st 2017: Sabratha Municipal Council Mobilizes New Anti-ISIS Force
On 29 July, the Sabratha municipal council, with the cooperation of local tribes, mobilized a new security force. Dubbed the ‘anti-Islamic State (ISIS) Operation Room’ the force is intended to police the areas around Sabratha and Mellitah. After raising the anti-ISIS alert level last week, BM forces reported that ISIS activity on the road between Sirte and Jufra continues.
July 24-August 1st 2017: LNA and DMSC Clashes Escalate Aerial Assaults
On 26 July, Libyan National Army (LNA) Special Operations forces posted photos of a captured Ansar al-Sharia senior leader, Ibrahim Abu Nawwara. Conflict in Derna between the LNA and DMSC escalated last week following LNA airstrikes against the DMSC. On 29 July, the DMSC shot down an LNA MiG-23 fighter jet, and apprehended both the pilot and the co-pilot. The LNA announced a return to full fledged siege, and shut down all routes into Derna in reprisal. The latest escalation is reportedly the result of a tightening military and social noose around the DMSC.
July 24-August 1st 2017: Libya’s CDA approves constitution draft and moves towards Public Referendum
On 29 July, a majority of Libya’s CDA voted to approve the latest draft of the Libyan constitution draft, even as local and armed protestors attempted to disrupt the vote and assaulted some CDA members. The Head of the CDA formally issued the constitution draft on 31 July, and with HoR approval the document should progress to a national referendum within the next 30 days.
July 18-25: BM Forces Prepare for Imminent ISIS Attack On Sirte
Misratan-led Bunyan Marsus (BM) forces have raised the level of security readiness in anticipation of an impending Islamic State (ISIS) attack on Sirte from the south and the east. GNA spokesman Mohammed al-Ghosri denied rumours that BM requested military support from the LNA and posited that the LNA’s position in Jufra may actually facilitate the presence and movement of ISIS south of Sirte.