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.
15-22 August: Internal LNA conflict at Martuba checkpoint, meanwhile Serraj meets with Derna Delegation in Tripoli
Saiqa initially rejected the ICC arrest warrant issued for al-Warfalli on 15 August, but now reports that he is suspended pending investigation. A delegation from Derna led by the head of the Derna municipal council met with Serraj on 15 August to discuss the on going siege on the city. On 16 August, internal clashes broke out between Libyan National Army’s (LNA) Omar al-Mukhtar Operations Room over control at the Martuba checkpoint which controls entry into Derna.
August 9-15: Poor Managements and exploding ordnance in Benghazi
Efforts to secure the Sabri and Souq al-Hout areas of Benghazi are not advancing as quickly as expected and more lives continue to be lost as a result of exploding ordnance.
August 9-15: BM Chaperons Italian military visit to Sirte’s al-Qardabiyah Airport
A team of Italian military and security advisors visited Sirte’s al-Qardabiyah airport to assess ‘reconstruction.’ The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for LNA’s Mahmoud Mustafa Busayf al-Werfalli. There are reports that an armed security contingent for the UN is planned to offload in Khoms port.
August 9-15: Misratan power brokers and senior BM figures travelled to Qatar
On 13 August, a delegation of Misratan power brokers and senior BM figures travelled to Qatar to meet with Qatari officials. Media reports say Qatar is prepared to support the BM’s military operations in addition to logistical support. The conflict between the LNA and DMSC deescalated slightly as the LNA eased the full siege it enacted on Derna two weeks ago, but new airstrikes on DMSC positions in the west of the city indicate a potential for re-escalation.
August 9-15: Haftar seeks to ‘Liberate’ Libya despite Political Solution
The recent political rapprochement attempts between Fayez al-Serraj, Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), and Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar, may be in jeopardy as recent statements from the LNA hint that Haftar is still intent on gain control of the capital though military measures.
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.