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.
Atlantic Council Event: The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya
On 20 June, the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Centre will convene a discussion on its new report, The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya. The unique, comprehensive, and groundbreaking report examines the jihadist dynamics in Libya and offers recommendations to address this threat. The discussion will feature the report’s co-authors Jason Pack, Rhiannon Smith, […]
Mapping Libya’s Jihadists
Mapping Libya’s Jihadists
In a long form article for Norwegian NGO Hate Speech International, Jason Pack and Rhiannon Smith map out the history and context of Libya’s myriad jihadist groups.
31 May-6 June: Misrata’s security forces release ISIS Confession Video
On 5 June, the anti-crime unit of Misrata’s security forces released a recording that claims to show the ‘confessions’ of an ISIS fighter known as Aseeda. In the video, Aseeda describes ISIS and BRSC cooperation in Benghazi, including over a bank robbery.
May 31 – June 6: HoR Follows Egypt, UAE to Cut Off Qatar
On 5 June, the HoR announced it was cutting (non-existent) diplomatic ties with Qatar, in line with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, in light of its support for ‘terrorist’ groups. Foreign ministers from Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt met in Algiers on 5 June to discuss possible solutions to the Libyan political crisis.
May 31 – June 6: Clashes between the LNA and DMSC
On 2 June, fierce clashes took place in Derna between the LNA and DMSC, resulting in the death of 2 DMSC fighters. A LNA Naval Commander was killed in IED blast in Sabri last week, as LNA units make slow advances.
May 31 – June 6: GNA divides Libya into Military Zones
The LNA took the Jufra airbase from the GNA-aligned BDB last week, pushing the BDB north towards Sirte. The GNA issued decisions dividing Libya into 7 military zones, igniting protests in eastern Libya.
24 – 30 May: ISIS fighters killed near Bani Walid
On 24 May, local militias clashed with ISIS fighters near Bani Walid. Four ISIS fighters were killed. In Tripoli, RADA forces arrested the father and brother of Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi. They claim Abedi and his brother are members of ISIS.
24 – 30 May: Egyptian airstrikes hit Derna and Jufra
Egypt conducted airstrikes on Derna and Jufra last week, in coordination with the LNA, supposedly in retaliation for an ISIS massacre of Christians in Egypt. The GNA criticized the strikes as a violation of sovereignty.
24 – 30 May: Ansar al-Sharia officially disbands
On 27 May, Ansar al-Sharia (AS) officially announced that it had disbanded itself. Interestingly, pro-ISIS media accounts celebrated AS’s disbanding as ‘inevitable’ and criticized the group for failing to unify its loyalties under the ISIS banner.