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.
Strategic Lessons from the Ejection of ISIS from Sirte
Strategic Lessons from the Ejection of ISIS from Sirte
In an article for the Atlantic Council’s MENASource, Dr Alia Brahimi and Jason Pack write the first of two article looking at valuable lessons that can be learned from the ejection of the Islamic State (ISIS) from Sirte. This first article delves into the strategic lessons, arguing that 1) Governance failures drive jihadism; 3) Weakening ISIS strengthens al-Qaeda; and 3) ISIS’s governance model is unsustainable. A second article will look at the tactical lessons.
10-16 May: ISIS fighters hijack fuel trucks
On 14 May, three fuel trucks were seized by ISIS fighters on the road from Abu Grien to Jufra, south of Sirte. BM leaders also received threats from ISIS via social media accusing them of being “infidels assisting imperialists”.
10 – 16 May: NOC in Dispute with Germany’s Wintershall
The NOC is in dispute with German oil giant Wintershall over the terms of contract of its expired concession agreement
10 – 16 May: LNA Hits Jihadists in Benghazi, Werfalli Resigns
LNA forces continued to launch heavy airstrikes against jihadist fighters besieged in Sabri and Souq al-Hout in Benghazi last week. Saiqa commander Mahmoud Werfalli announces his resignation after a Saiqa attack on a police station caused outrage.
10 – 16 May: Anti-GNA Operation ‘Libya Honor’ Launched in Tripoli
Anti- GNA militias mobilized south of Tripoli and deployed forces to various locations in preparation for a new operation in the capital dubbed ‘Libya Honor’ while Serraj missed a scheduled meeting with Haftar in Cairo.
3 – 9 May: ISIS Kills Misratan Fighters in Jufra
On 7 May, ISIS claimed responsibility for an ambush of GNA-affiliated Misratan Third Force fighters 100km south-west of Sirte. In Benghazi, the LNA published the execution video of an Algerian ISIS fighter captured in Sabri.
3 – 9 May: Swehli Appoints Dialogue Committee to Meet HoR
Foreign Ministers from UK, Italy and Norway visited Tripoli and Tobruk last week while there may be a second meeting between Serraj and Haftar this week, with the attendance of Swehli and Saleh. On 13 May, Swehli appointed a 13 member dialogue committee to discuss amendments to the LPA.
3 – 9 May: LNA launches ground assault against Sabri and Souq al-Hout
On 8 May, the LNA launched its full assault against the jihadist enclaves and LNA fighters have reportedly taken Benghazi port and a number of areas in Souq al-Hout. A medical source said hospitals had received 12 LNA dead and 20 wounded since the new offensive began.
3 – 9 May: Tensions Rise in Tripoli Over Haftar Reconciliation
On 9 May, the GNA-aligned Nawasi brigade reportedly stormed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, calling for PM Fayez al-Serraj to dismiss Mohamed Taher Siala as the minister after he called Haftar the legitimate commander of the Libyan Army.