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.
6-13 June: LNA claims arrest of ISIS member in Sebha
The LNA-affiliated 116 brigade reportedly arrested a jihadist cell, including an ISIS member, in an anti-terrorism raid in Sebha. Three members of the al-Bunyan al-Marsus 166 brigade were killed in ambush south-west of Sirte, suspected to have been carried out by ISIS fighters.
6-13 June: Anti-Qatar alliance blacklists Ghariani, Belhaj & Sallabi
The blockade against Qatar continues, with several Libyans blacklisted for ties to Qatar. The UN Expert Panel on Libya’s latest report highlights UAE support to the LNA and the role of foreign mercenaries, while the UNSC extended the arms embargo against Libya.
6-13 June: Misratan entities unite against BDB
A variety of Misratan entities united against the BDB last week, banning them from entering Misrata armed and demanding they surrender weapons and handover their leader. Werfalli published another execution video, while the LNA seized the Libya Shield base in Souq al-Hout.
6-13 June: Zintan Says Saif al-Islam is Free
A Zintani militia claims to have released Saif al-Islam al-Qadhafi while the HoR releases a blacklist of Libyan individuals and entities it claims are linked to terrorist activities through Qatar.
Atlantic Council Event: The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya
On 20 June, the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Centre will convene a discussion on its new report, The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya. The unique, comprehensive, and groundbreaking report examines the jihadist dynamics in Libya and offers recommendations to address this threat. The discussion will feature the report’s co-authors Jason Pack, Rhiannon Smith, […]
Mapping Libya’s Jihadists
Mapping Libya’s Jihadists
In a long form article for Norwegian NGO Hate Speech International, Jason Pack and Rhiannon Smith map out the history and context of Libya’s myriad jihadist groups.
31 May-6 June: Misrata’s security forces release ISIS Confession Video
On 5 June, the anti-crime unit of Misrata’s security forces released a recording that claims to show the ‘confessions’ of an ISIS fighter known as Aseeda. In the video, Aseeda describes ISIS and BRSC cooperation in Benghazi, including over a bank robbery.
May 31 – June 6: HoR Follows Egypt, UAE to Cut Off Qatar
On 5 June, the HoR announced it was cutting (non-existent) diplomatic ties with Qatar, in line with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, in light of its support for ‘terrorist’ groups. Foreign ministers from Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt met in Algiers on 5 June to discuss possible solutions to the Libyan political crisis.
May 31 – June 6: Clashes between the LNA and DMSC
On 2 June, fierce clashes took place in Derna between the LNA and DMSC, resulting in the death of 2 DMSC fighters. A LNA Naval Commander was killed in IED blast in Sabri last week, as LNA units make slow advances.