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.
8 – 14 Nov: 2nd Benghazi Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in US Trial
On 9 November, Mustafa al-Imam, a suspect in the September 2012 attack against the US Special Mission in Benghazi entered a plea of not guilty to terrorism-related charges in the US District Court. President Sisi claims ISIS fighters are entering Egypt through Libya as the Egyptian military claims it destroyed 10 vehicles carrying weapons from Libya. ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda promised to seek new arrest warrants in Libya if war crimes continue.
8-14 Nov: GNA Alliance Defeat LNA-Aligned Force in Warshefana
On 10 November, the GNA military campaign against LNA-affiliated 4th Brigade in Wershefana concluded ‘successfully’. On 11 November, 28 bodies were discovered with bullet wounds and torture marks in Wershefana. On 10 November, Faraj Gaem, GNA deputy MoI in Benghazi, accused the LNA of trying to assassinate him, leading the LNA to arrest him and ban all GNA officials from eastern Libya.
Defusing the Ticking ‘Jihadist’ Timebomb: Can Transitional Justice Help Counter the Trend of Radicalisation in Tunisia?
Defusing the Ticking ‘Jihadist’ Timebomb: Can Transitional Justice Help Counter the Trend of Radicalisation in Tunisia?
In a new working paper published by Hate Speech International, Houda Mzioudet and Eye on ISIS’s Rhiannon Smith discuss radicalization in Tunisia and whether the country’s Transitional Justice process can help diffusing a ‘jihadist’ timebomb in the country. The 29-page report offers insight into radicalisation and violent extremism in Tunisia, looks at its root causes and gives an overview of the Transitional Justice process and its role in the struggle against radicalization in the country.
1 – 7 Nov: LNA post in Jufra attacked
On 4 November, an LNA security post on the road between Jufra and Brak al-Shatti in south-west Libya was attacked by unknown assailants, killing two people. Reports that ISIS fighters still present on the coast east of Sirte.
1 – 7 Nov: Clashes re-erupt in Benghazi
On 5 November, the GNA- appointed Deputy Minister for Interior in Benghazi, Faraj Gaem, survived an IED assassination attempt on his motorcade and intense clashes broke out in Benghazi between the LNA and ‘remnants’ of the BRSC. In Tripoli, Rada raided a comic con event and Igtet called for the JCP to disband.
1 – 7 Nov: UK asks Libya to extradite Abedi
On 1 November, British police issued an arrest warrant for Hasham Abedi, the brother of the Manchester bomber. Rada is holding him and said they might cooperate. Law suits for war crimes are being filed against Haftar and his family in the US, while Haftar has hired a Washington lobbyist to improve his image.
1-7 Nov: GNA militias launch Warshefana campaign
On 1 November, a new GNA-supported military campaign was launched in Wershefana against LNA-affiliated forces. It is led by Usama al-Juwaili and includes units from Zintan, Tarhouna, and Tripoli. Talks in Egypt last week to unify the Libyan armed forces have stalled following the ‘mystery’ Derna airstrikes.
24-31 October: ISIS Claims 25 Oct. Attack on LNA Checkpoint Near Ajdabiya
The ISIS Amaq news agency claimed responsibility for the 25 October, attack on the ‘Tisan’ checkpoint south of Ajdabiya, which killed at least 3 LNA fighters and left another two injured. Survivors report that the assailants arrived in 7 vehicles and set the entire checkpoint on fire after seizing the LNA’s firearms. It was reported that on 29 October, ISIS fighters established a temporary checkpoint on the coastal highway 20km east of Sirte. The area in question is considered to be under the control of al-Bunyan al-Marsus (BM) forces aligned with the GNA.
24-31 October: US forces captured Mustafa al-Imam in Misrata on 29 October
US Special Operations forces captured 2012 Benghazi Special Mission attack suspect Mustafa al-Imam in Misrata on 29 October. It is reported that Imam was flown to a US Navy vessel and will be transported to the US to face federal prosecution for his alleged involvement in the 2012 attack. On 30 October, the third round of ‘Libyan-Libyan’ meeting between LNA and Misrata military officers was held in Cairo as part of the talks to reunify the Libyan army.