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.
17-27 May: Serraj Meets Trump in Riyadh
GNA prime minister Fayez al-Serraj met briefly with US President Donald in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the American Islamic States Summit. China, Russia, France, the UK and the USA condemn violence in Libya following the Brak attack. Kobler warns that summary executions are included under war crimes and may be prosecuted by the ICC.
17-27 May: BDB forces accused of links to jihadist groups
Several videos released this week appear to indicate links between the BDB and jihadist groups in Brak al-Shatti. The LNA retook Souq al-Arab in downtown Sabri on 18 May, while Werfalli released another execution video.
17-27 May: GNA –aligned forces attack Brak al-Shatti
On 18 May, forces affiliated with the GNA conducted an attack on Brak al-Shatti airbase controlled by LNA in south-west Libya, leaving 74 LNA fighters dead and ending the ‘ceasefire’ between the opposing forces. The GNA is in disarray following the attack with differing statements and a pending investigation in the incident.
Tactical Lessons from the Ejection of ISIS from Sirte
Tactical Lessons from the Ejection of ISIS from Sirte
In the second instalment for Atlantic Council, Dr Alia Brahimi and Jason Pack discuss the tactical lessons that can be learnt from the ejection of ISIS from Sirte in December 2016. Although the authors stress that ISIS is far from defeated in Libya, the group’s loss of territorial control is significant. They argue that reliance on local anti-ISIS militia is double-edged, a light and targeted Western military footprint can be effective, and that the timing of any anti-ISIS military operation is key.
Strategic Lessons from the Ejection of ISIS from Sirte
Strategic Lessons from the Ejection of ISIS from Sirte
In an article for the Atlantic Council’s MENASource, Dr Alia Brahimi and Jason Pack write the first of two article looking at valuable lessons that can be learned from the ejection of the Islamic State (ISIS) from Sirte. This first article delves into the strategic lessons, arguing that 1) Governance failures drive jihadism; 3) Weakening ISIS strengthens al-Qaeda; and 3) ISIS’s governance model is unsustainable. A second article will look at the tactical lessons.
10-16 May: ISIS fighters hijack fuel trucks
On 14 May, three fuel trucks were seized by ISIS fighters on the road from Abu Grien to Jufra, south of Sirte. BM leaders also received threats from ISIS via social media accusing them of being “infidels assisting imperialists”.
10 – 16 May: NOC in Dispute with Germany’s Wintershall
The NOC is in dispute with German oil giant Wintershall over the terms of contract of its expired concession agreement
10 – 16 May: LNA Hits Jihadists in Benghazi, Werfalli Resigns
LNA forces continued to launch heavy airstrikes against jihadist fighters besieged in Sabri and Souq al-Hout in Benghazi last week. Saiqa commander Mahmoud Werfalli announces his resignation after a Saiqa attack on a police station caused outrage.
10 – 16 May: Anti-GNA Operation ‘Libya Honor’ Launched in Tripoli
Anti- GNA militias mobilized south of Tripoli and deployed forces to various locations in preparation for a new operation in the capital dubbed ‘Libya Honor’ while Serraj missed a scheduled meeting with Haftar in Cairo.