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.
August 22-29: British FM meets with Haftar in Benghazi
British FM met with Haftar in Benghazi, marking a turning point in the UK’s recognition of Haftar as a major player. However, Johnson warned the Haftar to abide by the Paris agreement made in July. On 28 August, Macron hosted a meeting with EU and North African countries on the Libyan migrant crisis.
August 22-29: Usama Jadhran Arrested in Misrata
On 27 August, Serraj met with Sudanese president Bashir and they agreed to cooperate on security issues with a particular emphasis on fighting terrorism and border security. Misratan security forces arrested Usama Jadhran in Misrata for his alleged membership of Ansar al-Sharia and connections with ISIS.
August 22-29: Haftar, Nayed Launch Presidential Bids
Haftar, Nayed and Igtit have indirectly launched their bids for candidacy in prospective presidential elections in 2018. In a video resignation, Mustafa Abu Shagour pointed to Ageelah Saleh and the HoR’s reluctance to move forward with amendments to the LPA as major reason for his departure.
August 23: ISIS beheads 11 in attack on al-Fogha checkpoint near Jufra
Islamic State (ISIS) militants attacked the Libyan National Army (LNA)-controlled al-Fogha checkpoint near Jufra this morning, killing at least nine soldiers and two civilians. According to LNA spokesman Ahmed Mismari, the eleven victims were beheaded and many others were left injured. The IS Amaq news agency released a statement this morning claiming the incident and […]
15-22 August: Terror suspects tried over Corinthia attack in 2015
Two individuals were tried on terror charges in Tripoli after alleged involvement in a series of attacks in the capital, including the assault on the Corinthia Hotel in January 2015. The defendants have not been named and it is unclear how they came to be detained. BM forces published trailers of upcoming ‘confessions’ by Libyan ISIS fighters captured during fighting between BM and ISIS.
15-22 August: MB party stands with the PC and LPA
The Justice and Construction party has turned on Tripoli’s Dar Al-Ifta head, Sheikh Sadek Ghariani after he pronounced that anyone who backed the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) was “non-believer”. The party declared that the sheikh’s denunciation of LPA supporters was “irresponsible” and that it would engender further bloodshed. The JC insists that the PC and the LPA were the only option for Libya.
15-22 August: HoR President Ageelah Saleh meets with King Abdullah in Jordan
The new UN Special Envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, visited all of Libya’s main power-broker cities on a one-week tour throughout the country. On 19 August, HoR President Ageelah Saleh arrived in Jordan for a three-day visit for talks with various Jordanian dignitaries, including King Abdullah. On 21 August, foreign ministers of Russia and Egypt met and reaffirmed the need for stronger inclusiveness of all Libyan parties.
15-22 August: Internal LNA conflict at Martuba checkpoint, meanwhile Serraj meets with Derna Delegation in Tripoli
Saiqa initially rejected the ICC arrest warrant issued for al-Warfalli on 15 August, but now reports that he is suspended pending investigation. A delegation from Derna led by the head of the Derna municipal council met with Serraj on 15 August to discuss the on going siege on the city. On 16 August, internal clashes broke out between Libyan National Army’s (LNA) Omar al-Mukhtar Operations Room over control at the Martuba checkpoint which controls entry into Derna.
August 9-15: Poor Managements and exploding ordnance in Benghazi
Efforts to secure the Sabri and Souq al-Hout areas of Benghazi are not advancing as quickly as expected and more lives continue to be lost as a result of exploding ordnance.