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.
14 – 20 June: Assassination attempt in Sirte
Last week in Sirte there was an assassination attempt against a Misratan BM fighter, alleged by the Salafist 604 brigade that helps secure the city.
14 – 20 June: Ghassan Salame appointed as UN Envoy to Libya
On 16 June, the UN Secretary General nominated Lebanese professor and politician Ghassan Salame as UN Special Envoy for Libya, in replacement of outgoing envoy Martin Kobler. Russia invited Thinni to Moscow for talks this week.
14 – 20 June: LNA Make Advances in Souq al-Hout
On 13 June, the LNA fully seized Benghazi’s iconic Tahrir Square and the courthouse that faces it, while on 16 June, LNA squads announced their full takeover of Misrata Street and the Wahda Bank main office. At least 6 LNA fighters were killed and more injured during the operations. Most BRSC social media outlets also acknowledged setbacks last week.
14 – 20 June: Misratan Convoy Deploys to Tripoli
On 17 June, a convoy of anti-GNA militias from Misrata attempted to deploy to Tripoli. However, they reportedly became divided among themselves, cancelled the deployment and most of them drove back to Misrata. On 15 June, 46 HoR members formed a new bloc called the ‘National Consensus Bloc’.
REPORT: The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya
REPORT: The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya
In “The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya,” Jason Pack, Rhiannon Smith and Karim Mezran examine ISIS’s pre-history, birth, expansion, consolidation, and dispersal in Libya, as well as the broader political context of the country –offering advice and recommendations for how Western governments and militaries should approach jihadist actors globally.
6-13 June: LNA claims arrest of ISIS member in Sebha
The LNA-affiliated 116 brigade reportedly arrested a jihadist cell, including an ISIS member, in an anti-terrorism raid in Sebha. Three members of the al-Bunyan al-Marsus 166 brigade were killed in ambush south-west of Sirte, suspected to have been carried out by ISIS fighters.
6-13 June: Anti-Qatar alliance blacklists Ghariani, Belhaj & Sallabi
The blockade against Qatar continues, with several Libyans blacklisted for ties to Qatar. The UN Expert Panel on Libya’s latest report highlights UAE support to the LNA and the role of foreign mercenaries, while the UNSC extended the arms embargo against Libya.
6-13 June: Misratan entities unite against BDB
A variety of Misratan entities united against the BDB last week, banning them from entering Misrata armed and demanding they surrender weapons and handover their leader. Werfalli published another execution video, while the LNA seized the Libya Shield base in Souq al-Hout.
6-13 June: Zintan Says Saif al-Islam is Free
A Zintani militia claims to have released Saif al-Islam al-Qadhafi while the HoR releases a blacklist of Libyan individuals and entities it claims are linked to terrorist activities through Qatar.