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.
10 – 16 Jan: Major clashes break out at Tripoli’s Mitiga airport leaving as many as twenty dead.
On 15 January, major clashes in Tripoli occurred between anti-Libyan National Army (LNA) and pro-Government of National Accord (GNA) militias at Mitiga airport. The attack was reportedly part of a ‘prison break’ assault by the anti-LNA militias from Tajoura (east Tripoli). As many as 20 people were killed and more than 60 injured as a result of the fighting.
3 – 9 Jan: RADA arrest two ISIS fighters connected to a failed car bombing in Tripoli.
On 9 January, Tripoli’s Special Deterrent Force (Rada) announced the arrest of two ISIS fighters who confessed to being responsible for the failed Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) bombing in the al-Dreibi District in southwest Tripoli on 6 January.
3 – 9 Jan: This week there has been no notable incidences connected to Jihadi actors.
While there has been a significant amount of armed group activity in Libya this week, there have been no notable incidences connected to Jihadi actors outside of ISIS. For ISIS activity, see the ISIS in Action section.
3 – 9 Jan: Serraj and Salame meet while Germany destroys Qadhafi’s chemical weapons
On 8 January, Government of National Accord (GNA) head Fayez al-Serraj met with UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame in Tripoli to discuss the latest political developments in Libya. On 5 January, the German Foreign and Defense Ministries completed the destruction of components from Muammar al-Qadhafi’s chemicals weapons programme.
3 – 9 Jan: GNA aligned forces trigger clashes near Zuwara and Garabulli
GNA aligned forces triggered clashes with local militias near Zuwara’s Abu Kammash area on 5-6 January. The clashes ended on 8 January after an agreement was made over security arrangements for control of the land border and Zuwara port. On 6 January, the GNA affiliated ‘Kani brigade’ took control of the Garabulli coastal checkpoint before withdrawing.
Dec 27 – 2 Jan: GNA affiliated forces continue to remove ISIS IEDs from Sirte
Photos of GNA affiliated forces show the continual removal of ISIS IEDs from the Sirte area, while there are reports of ISIS-sympathetic telegram accounts accusing the BRSC of having a deal with the Libyan National Army.
Dec 27 – 2 Jan: BRSC fighters flee from Benghazi to Derna following purge by LNA
On 28 December, the Libyan National Army announced the full purge of jihadist forces from Benghazi – six months after the LNA initially declared the city liberated. The following day, Derna reportedly received some of the fleeing BRSC-linked fighters.
Dec 27 – 2 Jan: Salame will not engage with Saif al-Islam
On 28 December, the UN envoy Ghassan Salame said he would not enter any dialogue with Saif al-Islam Qadhafi due to the ICC warrant against him.
Dec 27 – 2 Jan: LNA commits to elections provided HNEC restructured
On 27 December, the Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesperson Ahmed Mismari reaffirmed the LNA’s commitment to elections provided HNEC is restructured. The following day Haftar insisted that if elections don’t come to pass there is no way ‘but authorisation’ of the LNA to take power.