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.
Libya-Italy Migration Deal Signed
Last week, GNA PM Fayez al-Serraj signed an MoU with Italy agreeing to reduce the number of migrants leaving Libya in return for support for the Libyan coast guard and funding for detention centers in Libya. The EU approved the deal and will contribute its own funding to anti-smuggling support measures.
LNA Fights BRSC in 12 Flats in Ganfuda
The LNA continues to fight against jihad fighters in the 12 Flats area in Ganfuda, while some LNA units have been remobilized to Souq al-Hout and Sabri. Faraj al-Shwehdy, a senior BRSC commander was killed on 4 February.
Mobilisation in Hun, Clashes & Violence in Tripoli
Local sources in Jufra report a new mobilization by GNA/Islamist affiliated groups who reportedly plan to attack Ras Lanuf port in the coming weeks. Rivalries between militias of various factions in Tripoli are escalating, with various rival armed groups implicated in clashes, kidnappings and armed assault.
BM Forces Investigate Aftermath of US Airstrikes
BM forces visited the site of US airstrikes against ISIS fighters last week and found bodies, underground stores and camouflaged hideouts. In Sirte, tribal elders accuse BM forces of looting and theft.
Turkey Reopens Embassy in Tripoli
On 30 January, Turkey became the second country to reopen its embassy in Tripoli saying it would “support the territorial integrity and national unity of brotherly Libya”, while Egypt continues its diplomatic efforts to bring rival Libyan factions together in negotiations.
LNA Declares Full Control of Ganfuda, Benghazi
On 25 January, the LNA declared it had taken full control of Ganfuda, with only a few jihadi fighters remaining in the 12 Flats area. The same day, a VBEID killed 4 people in downtown Benghazi. The LNA also continued airstrikes against the DMSC in Derna.
Libya Political Dialogue Agrees Amendments to LPA
On 24 January, the Libyan Political Dialogue Group signed an agreement accepting six changes to the LPA, including reducing the PC membership to three and creating a new council to assume the powers of the Supreme Commander of the Libyan Army.
GNA MoD Claims 2500 ISIS Bodies Collected in Sirte
On 16 January, the GNA’s MoD spokesperson, announced that more than 2,500 bodies of ISIS fighters had been collected from Sirte.On 17 January, LNA forces in Nawfaliyah, a town west of Sirte, captured Emhemmed Emrajaa al-Hamali, a senior Libyan ISIS commander from Sirte. Al-Hamali was taken by the LNA to Grenada prison in Benghazi.
US Airstrikes Kill ISIS Fighters Near Sirte
On 19 January, American B-2 stealth bombers destroyed two ISIS camps approximately 44 km south-west of Sirte, dropping more than 100 precision-guided bombs on the targets. On 21 January, a VBIED exploded near the Italian embassy in Tripoli.