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.
29 Nov -5 Dec: Salame Meets Haftar in Cairo
On 3 December, UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame met with Khalifa Haftar in Cairo where he said they discussed the importance of elections for Libya’s future. The two men also discussed efforts to combat terrorism, the current economic crisis, and the recent Cairo meetings between Libyan National Army (LNA) officials and their counterparts from […]
22-28 Nov: LNA Declares Oil Crescent Closed Military Zone Due to ISIS
Last week, the LNA declared the Oil Crescent to be a closed military zone after a number of ISIS convoys were seen inside Harawah town, between Sirte and Sidra. On 26 November, al-Ghani oil field was ransacked and buildings torched by unknown assailants. The LNA announced it captured Dernawi ISIS fighter Anis Bualjieh Awami last month.
22-28 Nov: LNA Hits Derna With More Airstrikes
On 27 November, the LNA conducted an airstrike on DMSC targets in al-Dahra al-Hamar area, south of Derna. On 23 November, a mutiny inside a Misratan prison among Islamist hardliners led to four prisoners fleeing, with two later killed in a faceoff with prison guards.
22-28 Nov: AFRICOM Confirms 2 US Airstrikes Near Fuqaha
AFRICOM confirmed that US forces conducted two airstrikes against ISIS targets near Fuqaha on 17 and 19 November. On 22 November, the Egyptian air force said that it destroyed 10 vehicles attempting to smuggle arms and ammunition through Libya’s western border into Egypt. The Anti Terror Quartet countries added more Libyan nationals to its ‘terrorist’ list.
22-28 Nov: HoR Approves LPA Amendments
On 20 November, the HoR voted to approve the proposed amendments to the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement (LPA). On 23 November, the HCS President Swehli issued a statement rejecting the HoR vote. On 27 November, UN Envoy Salame began a whirlwind tour of Libya visiting Tripoli, Misrata and he plans to visit Benghazi on 29 November.
15-21 Nov: LNA Planes and US Drones Launch Airstrikes Against ISIS South of Sirte
On 15 November, the Libyan National Army (LNA) conducted two airstrikes against an ISIS target in the desert 90km south of Harawah, southeast of Sirte. On 17 November, the US reportedly conducted a drone strike against ISIS targets in the desert south of Sirte, reportedly with success, but no information has yet been officially released.
15-21 Nov: LNA Launch Airstrikes On Derna While Egypt Says Attackers in Wahat were Trained in Derna
On 18 November, the LNA conducted two airstrikes against DMSC targets in al-Dahra al-Hamar area, south of Derna. On 16 November, the Egyptian Ministry of Interior said that the perpetrators of an attack against Egyptian police forces in the Wahat area in Egypt on 20 October ,were trained in Derna. On 14 November, the Misrata local attorney released a number of high profile fighters with suspected links to extremist groups, on the grounds of illegal arrest procedures.
15-21 Nov: Serraj Asks US Deputy Secretary To Help To “Sufficiently” Arm Libya’s Anti-Terror Groups
On 18 November, the head of the GNA, Fayez al-Serraj, held a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan in Libya. During the meeting Serraj requested the US continue supporting Libya by helping to “sufficiently” arm its anti-terror organizations. Salame said joint tribunals may be one solution to address lawlessness and impunity in Libya.
15-21 Nov: Salame Tells UNSC That Political Process Is On Track Despite Criticism From Swehli and HoR Disruptions
The UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame made a case to the UN Security Council on 15 November that the Libyan political process was on track. However, President of the HCS Abdurrahman al-Swehli criticised Salame for ‘ignoring’ consensus and ‘partnership’. On 19 November, a delegation of 29 HoR members was not allowed to land in Tubruq airport. The delegation was reportedly intending to vote on the new LPA amendment.