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 Apr-1 May: ISIS Infiltrates Italy; Exploits Program for Injured Libyans
The Guardian reported last week that Italian intelligence documents claim ISIS fighters may have infiltrated Italy by presenting false passports to medical personnel in Misrata and claiming to be wounded Libyan fighters seeking treatment in Europe.
24 Apr-May 1:Possible political breakthrough between Serraj and Haftar
Photos confirm meeting between GNA PM Fayez al-Serraj and Khalifa Haftar in Abu Dhabi—the first face-to-face meeting in over a year. The outcome of the meeting remains unclear.
24 Apr-May 1: LNA fight against Jihadists in Benghazi continues
Jihadists in Benghazi counter multiple LNA airstrikes with demolitions targeting infrastructure. Wissam Bin Hamid, the BRSC leader rumored to have been killed in 2016, appeals to his followers via video on 29 April.
24 Apr-May 1: Haftar Aggravates Allies in Sebha, Continues Targeting Airbases in the South
On 28 April, the LNA conducted two airstrikes against a local militia camp linked to the BDB in Jufra and restarted airstrikes against the Teminhint airbase which is still held by GNA-aligned forces. LNA airstrikes in Sebha threaten Haftar’s alliance with Tebu forces.
Apr 18-25 ISIS leader killed in Sabratha
On 23 April, Abdullah Dabbashi, a Libyan ISIS leader was reportedly killed in Sabratha while in Benghazi, the LNA claimed that ISIS fighter Mohammed al-Moghrabi had not been executed as thought.
April 18-25 Trump does not see a US role in Libya
In a joint press conference with the Italian PM, Trump said he does not see a role for the US in Libya. Days later, Defence Secretary Mattis said that success in Libya would be difficult if the US focused exclusively on counterterrorism.
April 18-25 Jihadists blow up bridge and launch mortars in Benghazi
The LNA hit Sabri and Souq al-Hout with airstrikes, while jihadists blew up a bridge into the area and began shelling LNA positions. The LNA arrested a DMSC leader along with an ISIS fighter in Derna.
Apr 18-25 Breakthrough Rome meeting reinvigorates LPA
A breakthrough meeting between HoR president Ageelah Saleh and HCS head Abdurrahman Swehli was held in Rome and on 24 April, the HoR nominated 24 members to the dialogue committee. In southern Libya, fighting continues between the GNA-aligned Misratan Third Force and the LNA.
US Imposed Sanctions on Designated ISIS Financiers
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified three Libyan-based financial facilitators of ISIS and have imposed sanctions on those individuals. The Libyan National Army (LNA) maintains an aerial and naval blockade in Benghazi, limiting the extent to which ISIS-aligned groups like the BRSC can bring in supplies.