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.
LNA Hits Sabri & Souq al-Hout With Airstrikes
LNA announces the start of its ‘final’ operation to retake central Benghazi and targets jihadist supply vessels. In Jufra, the LNA appoints a new head for its Jufra Ops Room and is expected to launch an assault soon.
22 – 28 Mar: GNA Establishes Sirte Protection Force, HoR Denounces as Terrorists
The GNA established a 3,000-strong ‘Sirte protection’ force from the BM forces that fought ISIS in Sirte. The HoR called it a ‘terrorist’ force while the LNA appointed Qadhafi-era commander to head its Sirte ops room
15 – 21 Mar: LNA Mutilates Jihadi Corpses
A video was widely shared on social media this week appearing to show the decomposing body of jihadist Jamal Makhzoum strapped to the front of a vehicle then being paraded around by LNA fighters.
15 – 21 Mar: International Quartet on Libya Established
The LAS, the AU, the EU and the UN set up a Quartet to coordinate efforts in Libya and reaffirmed their support for the LPA.
15 – 21 Mar: LNA ‘liberates’ Ganfuda, Retakes Oil Crescent and Attacks South
On 18 March, the LNA announced it had fully liberated Ganfuda from jihadists and began targeting Sabri and Souq al-Hout. The LNA has also retaken the Oil Crescent and on 20 March, pushed further south.
15 – 21 Mar: Fragile Ceasefire in Tripoli as Ghwell Forces Evicted
After clashes escalated in Tripoli last week, rifts within Misrata deepened as pro-GNA militias evicted Khalifa al-Ghwell from the Rixos compound and protests took place on Tripoli and Misrata
8 – 14 March: LNA launches another offensive in Ganfuda
On 13 March, the LNA launched a major offensive to take control of the 12 Flats area of Ganfuda in Benghazi, while the head of AFRICOM has warned that ISIS are regrouping in Libya.
8 – 14 March: Reports of Russian forces in Libya, US concerned
Head of US AFRICOM warns that Russia is trying to influence outcome in Libya as Reuters reports that Russian Special Forces are stationed at an Egyptian airbase just across from the Libyan border
8 – 14 March: LNA retakes Oil Crescent from BDB
On 14 March, the LNA launched a counter attack against the BDB. Following intense fighting, by the end of the day the LNA claimed to be in control of the Oil Crescent once more, including the oil ports.