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.
21 – 27 Feb: ISIS undertake a VBIED attack on an LNA checkpoint near Waddan
On 21 February, at 9:15 in the morning, an ISIS Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) drove into the LNA 127 infantry battalion at a checkpoint near Waddan in the Jufra district. The attack killed three LNA fighters and wounding two more.
21 – 27 Feb: Interpol issue Red Notice for Mahmoud al-Werfalli
On 25 February, Interpol issued a Red Notice for Mahmoud al-Werfalli, the field commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Special Forces Saiqa division, for war crimes relating to summary executions of LNA prisoners accused of being jihadists.
21 – 27 Feb: US imposes sanction and signs MoU with GNA
On 26 February, the US imposed sanctions on several Libyan, Maltese and Egyptian firms, traders and ships reportedly participating in oil smuggling. On 23 February, the US and GNA signed an agreement to restrict the import of Libyan cultural property to the US.
21 – 27 Feb: Fighting continues in Sebha and clashes breakout near Tripoli
On 26 February, Libya’s National Human Rights Commission confirmed that two civilians have been killed in clashes between Awlad Suliman’s 6th Brigade and Tebu militias in Sabha. On 21 February, a prominent militia leader from Warshefana was killed in an arrest operation in the al-Maya district west of Tripoli, leading to the coastal road being closed.
14 – 20 Feb: Tunisian Foreign Minister suggest ISIS will attempt to return to Libya following its defeat in the Levant
On 18 February, Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui is reported to have stated in an address at the Munich Security Conference in Germany that ISIS will attempt to return to Libya following its defeat in Iraq and Syria.
14 – 20 Feb: LNA offensive against the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council in Derna appears imminent.
An LNA offensive against the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC), which controls Derna, appears imminent. The LNA continues to deploy large ground forces to Derna from Benghazi, Ajdabiya and other areas to prepare for the assault. Haftar dismissed Wanis Bukhamada as head of the Benghazi JSFOR, replacing him with Abdurrazaq al-Nadhouri.
14 – 20 Feb: CHD hold talks with Libyan senior figures, Egypt foils “infiltration attempt” on Libyan border, and Libya suspended to vote at the UN
On 12 – 14 February, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue facilitated talks between a range of different senior Libyan actors in Geneva. On 15 February, the Egyptian army announced it had foiled an “infiltration attempt” on the Libyan border. On 13 February, it was confirmed the UNGA had suspended Libya’s right to vote at the UN for the third year in a row.
14 – 20 Feb: GNA appoints new MoI, promotes AIOR commander and reorganizes security in Sirte, while the Supreme Court in Tripoli rules in CDA’s favour
On 15 February, in Tripoli Serraj dismissed the current GNA Minister of Interior al-Aref al-Khoja from his post and replaced him with his deputy minister Brigadier Abdussalam Ashour. The GNA also promoted Sabratha’s Anti ISIS Operation Room Commander Omar Abdul Jalil to Brigadier General and is actively reorganising security architecture Sirte. On 14 February, the Supreme Court in Tripoli ruled in favour of the CDA’s draft constitution.
7 Feb – 13 Feb: VBIED attack by suspected ISIS fighter on LNA checkpoint east of Sidra
On 10 February, three LNA officers belonging to the 165th Brigade were injured in a VBIED attack on their position at the 90km checkpoint, 60 km east of Sidra. The driver of the vehicle is suspected of being an ISIS fighter.