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.
12-17 Apr: Forces Join GNA in Southern Libya
Southern Libya Shield forces led by Islamist commander Ahmed Abdul Jalil Al-Hasnawi, and militias affiliated with, the pretender and jihadi-aligned PM Khalifa Al-Ghwell, have joined GNA-affiliated forces in the fight against the LNA in Southern Libya.
12-17 Apr: US Treasury Implements Sanctions on Libyan ISIS Financiers
US Treasury Department’s Office of Public Affairs (OFAC) designated various Libya-based individuals as ‘ISIS financial facilitators,’ and implemented sanctions freezing all of their affiliated property while US persons are prohibited from business engagement with the individuals. The European Union says actors in southern Libya should solve the conflict through negotiation.
12-17 Apr: LNA-GNA Conflict Escalates in the South
The LNA-GNA conflict escalates as the LNA increases airstrikes in the southwest, targeting key GNA airbases Teminhint and Jufra. The GNA calls for international assistance to end the proxy war in the South. GNA Defence Ministry Spokesperson Brigadier Mohammed Al-Ghousri, says that Haftar’s end is imminent with western intervention and a no-fly zone in southern Libya.
5-11 Apr: ISIS prisoners finally released in Libya
On 6 April, several Eritrean and Nigerian women who were captured and enslaved by ISIS in Sirte were released from prison in Misrata, and will be able to apply for asylum or be repatriated.
5-11 Apr: Haftar visits UAE as Serraj meets with AFRICOM
Khalifa Haftar met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince in the UAE this week and the latter praised the LNA’s efforts to fight terrorism. Fayez al-Serraj met with the head of US AFRICOM and the US ambassador to Libya.
5-11 Apr: Secret Prisons in Ganfuda
Al Arabiya printed images this week of what it claims is a secret prison in Ganfuda, Benghazi where it claims people were imprisoned and tortured by jihadi fighters.
5-11 Apr: Clashes intensify between GNA and LNA in Teminhint
Clashes escalated last week between the LNA and the GNA in south-west Libya as the LNA bombed Teminhint airbase and GNA-aligned Misratan forces bombed Brak al-Shati airbase. At least 10 fighters have been killed.
Migration and Jihadism in the Sahel
Migration and Jihadism in the Sahel
The report looks at political rhetoric conflating migration across the Mediterranean with the apparent rise of violent jihadism in Europe and asks whether there is a demonstrable link between migrants, jihadist groups and the lucrative smuggling networks which link Africa to Europe, and if so, how can it be managed?
29 Mar – 4 Apr: Bridge in Benghazi destroyed by jihadi fighters
The al-Lathama bridge into Sabri in Benghazi was destroyed last week, reportedly by jihadists to prevent the LNA from advancing westwards. In Sirte, residents are returning and some public services are resuming.