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.
LNA Takes Over Abu Saneeb, Re-Starts Derna Offensive
On 16 January, the head of the Libyan National Army (LNA)’s Operation Dignity command centre, Brig Abdussalam al-Hassi, announced the full takeover of Abu Saneeb area of Benghazi from the coalition of jihadis after the LNA continued its advance in Abu Saneeb with air support. LNA operations also resumed last week with airstrikes against the Derna Shura Mujahedeen Council (DMSC).
Clashes Around Ministry of Labour Building in Tripoli
In Tripoli, sporadic clashes took place last week between various militias affiliated with the Government of National Accord (GNA), and other hard-line anti-Haftar, Islamist militias nominally loyal to Khalifa al-Ghwell. Ghniwa’s forces attempted to retake control of the Ministry of Labor buildings at Hadba near the Military Academy buildings. The MoL building was taken over by al-Ghwell’s militias last week in an attempted ‘coup’.
BRSC Says ISIS Breakout from Ganfuda a ‘Betrayal’
On 10 January, the BRSC said that the ISIS breakout from the Benghazi areas of Sabri and Ganfuda on 5 January caused ‘some’ disarray in their ranks, calling the ISIS withdrawal a ‘betrayal’. The BRSC and their supporters are facing a growing scandal over their exposed collaboration with ISIS.
Haftar Talks With Russian MoD Aboard Aircraft Carrier
On 11 January, Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), was formally received aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia’s only aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean. On 14 January, Haftar summoned the senior LNA commanders from the east, west and south of Libya for a high-level meeting with HoR President.
Clashes Resume in Ganfuda, LNA Fighters & Senior Jihadis Killed
Last week, clashes resumed between the Libyan National Army (LNA) commanded by Haftar and the coalition of jihadis in Benghazi as the LNA attempted to take full control of the Abu Saneeb area of Ganfuda. A number of LNA fighters and jihadi fighters were killed during the fighting.
Ghwell’s Seizure of Tripoli Ministries & Blackouts Provoke Tensions
On 12 January, militias allied to Khalifa al-Ghwell, leader of a rival government in Tripoli, seized several ministerial buildings in Tripoli, while the whole of western and southern Libya continues to suffer chronic power outages, provoking tensions and anti-GNA sentiment
ISIS Fighter Says Tunisian Journalists Killed in Derna
There are reports of ISIS fighters sabotaging infrastructure in south-west Libya, including an attack on the Man Made River pipeline. An anti-ISIS tribal coalition has reportedly been formed to counter this threat. In Sirte, an ISIS suicide bomber attacked BM forces but no casualties were reported, while ISIS fighter says Tunisia journalists were executed in Derna.
Italian Embassy Reopens in Tripoli
On 9 January, the Italian Foreign Ministry announced it was sending its ambassador back to Libya. It is the first Western diplomatic mission to reopen in the country. The statement said the ambassador would present his credentials to the GNA on 10 January and would start work in Tripoli immediately.
Jihadi Fighters Attempt to Flee LNA Siege in Benghazi
On 5 January, a group of jihadi fighters including ISIS, AS and BRSC militants attempted a coordinated breakout from the Sabri and Ganfuda areas in Benghazi, which are currently besieged by LNA forces. LNA fighters captured a number of key AS and BRSC figures.