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.
24 – 30 May: Anti-GNA militias evicted from Tripoli
On 26 May, pro-GNA Tripoli militias evicted rival anti-GNA militias from the capital, taking over key sites including Hadba prison. 52 people were killed in the fighting. The LNA recognised the pro-GNA militias’ efforts against ‘Islamist terrorists’.
The Role of 20th Century Jihadism in Manchester Attack
The Role of 20th Century Jihadism in Manchester Attack
In an article for Al Monitor, Jason Pack and Lydia Jabs discuss the role that suicide bomber Salman Abedi’s connection to, and his family’s long history within, Libya’s tight-knit activist Salafi movements may have had on radicalizing Abedi and facilitating last week’s attack in Manchester.
Non Military Perspective on Recent Developments in Libya
Non Military Perspective on Recent Developments in Libya
Rhiannon Smith has authored a report for NATO’s Open Perspectives Exchange Network (OPEN) looking at non-military perspective on recent developments in Libya. She outlines the current situation in Libya and analyses how different organisations frame their approach to the country, whether in humanitarian, development, or political terms, highlighting the challenges of creating concrete results on the ground.
Manchester Suicide Bomber is of Libyan Decent
The suicide bomber who detonated a suitcase bomb at a Manchester concert on 22 May has been identified as Salman Abeidi, a British-born Libyan. His parents were dissidents who fled to the UK during the Qadhafi period. Abeidi lived with his family in a quiet, middle-class neighborhood in Fallowfield in south Manchester. The family was […]
17-27 May: BDB fighter chants ISIS songs in Brak Attack
Footage found on the phone of a Palestinian man captured by the LNA, who was reportedly amongst BDB forces, depicts the Palestinian and his companions chanting an ISIS song as well as the execution of LNA soldiers.
17-27 May: Serraj Meets Trump in Riyadh
GNA prime minister Fayez al-Serraj met briefly with US President Donald in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the American Islamic States Summit. China, Russia, France, the UK and the USA condemn violence in Libya following the Brak attack. Kobler warns that summary executions are included under war crimes and may be prosecuted by the ICC.
17-27 May: BDB forces accused of links to jihadist groups
Several videos released this week appear to indicate links between the BDB and jihadist groups in Brak al-Shatti. The LNA retook Souq al-Arab in downtown Sabri on 18 May, while Werfalli released another execution video.
17-27 May: GNA –aligned forces attack Brak al-Shatti
On 18 May, forces affiliated with the GNA conducted an attack on Brak al-Shatti airbase controlled by LNA in south-west Libya, leaving 74 LNA fighters dead and ending the ‘ceasefire’ between the opposing forces. The GNA is in disarray following the attack with differing statements and a pending investigation in the incident.
Tactical Lessons from the Ejection of ISIS from Sirte
Tactical Lessons from the Ejection of ISIS from Sirte
In the second instalment for Atlantic Council, Dr Alia Brahimi and Jason Pack discuss the tactical lessons that can be learnt from the ejection of ISIS from Sirte in December 2016. Although the authors stress that ISIS is far from defeated in Libya, the group’s loss of territorial control is significant. They argue that reliance on local anti-ISIS militia is double-edged, a light and targeted Western military footprint can be effective, and that the timing of any anti-ISIS military operation is key.