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.
April 18-25 Trump does not see a US role in Libya
In a joint press conference with the Italian PM, Trump said he does not see a role for the US in Libya. Days later, Defence Secretary Mattis said that success in Libya would be difficult if the US focused exclusively on counterterrorism.
April 18-25 Jihadists blow up bridge and launch mortars in Benghazi
The LNA hit Sabri and Souq al-Hout with airstrikes, while jihadists blew up a bridge into the area and began shelling LNA positions. The LNA arrested a DMSC leader along with an ISIS fighter in Derna.
Apr 18-25 Breakthrough Rome meeting reinvigorates LPA
A breakthrough meeting between HoR president Ageelah Saleh and HCS head Abdurrahman Swehli was held in Rome and on 24 April, the HoR nominated 24 members to the dialogue committee. In southern Libya, fighting continues between the GNA-aligned Misratan Third Force and the LNA.
US Imposed Sanctions on Designated ISIS Financiers
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified three Libyan-based financial facilitators of ISIS and have imposed sanctions on those individuals. The Libyan National Army (LNA) maintains an aerial and naval blockade in Benghazi, limiting the extent to which ISIS-aligned groups like the BRSC can bring in supplies.
12-17 Apr: Forces Join GNA in Southern Libya
Southern Libya Shield forces led by Islamist commander Ahmed Abdul Jalil Al-Hasnawi, and militias affiliated with, the pretender and jihadi-aligned PM Khalifa Al-Ghwell, have joined GNA-affiliated forces in the fight against the LNA in Southern Libya.
12-17 Apr: US Treasury Implements Sanctions on Libyan ISIS Financiers
US Treasury Department’s Office of Public Affairs (OFAC) designated various Libya-based individuals as ‘ISIS financial facilitators,’ and implemented sanctions freezing all of their affiliated property while US persons are prohibited from business engagement with the individuals. The European Union says actors in southern Libya should solve the conflict through negotiation.
12-17 Apr: LNA-GNA Conflict Escalates in the South
The LNA-GNA conflict escalates as the LNA increases airstrikes in the southwest, targeting key GNA airbases Teminhint and Jufra. The GNA calls for international assistance to end the proxy war in the South. GNA Defence Ministry Spokesperson Brigadier Mohammed Al-Ghousri, says that Haftar’s end is imminent with western intervention and a no-fly zone in southern Libya.
5-11 Apr: ISIS prisoners finally released in Libya
On 6 April, several Eritrean and Nigerian women who were captured and enslaved by ISIS in Sirte were released from prison in Misrata, and will be able to apply for asylum or be repatriated.
5-11 Apr: Haftar visits UAE as Serraj meets with AFRICOM
Khalifa Haftar met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince in the UAE this week and the latter praised the LNA’s efforts to fight terrorism. Fayez al-Serraj met with the head of US AFRICOM and the US ambassador to Libya.