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.
11-17 July: EU Works With Local Governments to Address Issues in Libya
Various sources report that Libyan general Ali Kanna visited Algerian foreign minister Abdelkader Messahel in Algiers last week. Mayor of Zintan and other western Libyan municipal leaders met with members of EU committee as part of their campaign to partner with local authorities to implement stabilization programmes. Italian MOI met with Zuwaran local officials in Tripoli to discuss possible Italian support and cooperation regarding the migration issue.
11-17 July: Skirmishes Between Pro-GNA and Hardliner Militias Continue in Tripoli
Skirmishes between Pro-GNA and hardliner militias in Tripoli continued this week, ending as the GNA-aligned militias successfully ousted hardliner militias from their positions in eastern Tripoli. Pro-GNA militias reported the loss of 10 fighters in the three-day battle.
11-17 July: Breakthrough Political Proposal by PM Fayez Serraj Stirs Stale Political Waters
On 14 July, Government of National Accord (GNA) President Fayez Serraj announced a new plan to realize the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA), which would include parliamentary AND Presidential elections by March 2018. Also on the docket is the establishment of a high national reconciliation council, large scale disarmament, demobilisation of militias, and major economic reforms. […]
Skirmishes South of Sirte
Misratan al-Bunyan al-Marsus (BM) forces, who nominally support the Government of National Accord (GNA), announced last week that they had skirmished with three units affiliated with the Libyan National Army (LNA) in Qasr Abu Hadi, south of Sirte, while they were on an anti-ISIS reconnaissance mission in the area.
Potential U.S. Engagement in Libya
CNN has reported that according to US officials, there is a new diplomatic and military policy for Libya that could be finalized by the Trump administration in the next few weeks. Last week, the Dutch foreign minister Bert Koenders invited representatives of the HoR and the HCS to the Netherlands in an attempt to kick start discussions to amend the LPA.
HCF in Eastern Libya, Issued Contentious Takfiri Fatwa
On 5 July, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar declared that the LNA had fully liberated Benghazi from the coalition of jihadists including the Benghazi Revolutionary BRSC, Ansar al-Sharia and ISIS. On 9 July, the HCF which belongs to the HoR parallel government in eastern Libya, issued a takfiri fatwa declaring that followers of Ibadism are infidels.
Pro- & Anti- GNA Clashes East of Tripoli
On 9 July, major clashes broke out between pro and anti Government of National Accord (GNA) militias in Garaboulli, 30km east of Tripoli, after anti-GNA militias deployed forces with vehicles and heavy artillery to the area in a new bid to march on the capital and overthrow the GNA.
Actions & Reactions to the Evolution of ISIS in Libya
Actions & Reactions to the Evolution of ISIS in Libya
The Atlantic Council and Eye on ISIS in Libya have published a new interactive timeline that complements our recent publication “The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya.” Track ISIS and other Jihadist Groups’ movements throughout Libya year by year. The site allows you to click on individual links to explore any event in further detail.
28 Jun – 4 Jul: Rumours of ISIS escapees in Misrata
On 28 June, two ISIS captives being held in Misrata, one Libyan and the other Egyptian, were said to have escaped from the military intelligence agency. In Sabri, the LNA discovered the remains of an LNA officer killed by ISIS in an execution video.