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.
Other 22 Nov 16
Last week, the LNA retook the symbolic Guwarsha gate in Benghazi and there have been regular air strikes on the south-western area of Ganfuda in which the jihadi fighters are now confined. However, three children were also killed in a car bomb explosion in the city. The LNA also claims to have apprehended Mokhtar Bel Mokhtar’s wife in southern Libya.
Anti 22 Nov 16
Tensions continue to grow between various anti-GNA, Islamist and pro-GNA factions across the country. The prospect of an Islamist offensive against the LNA in the oil crescent, supported by the GNA, remains possible, while in Tripoli, there are fears of imminent clashes between hardliners allied with the Mufti and pro-GNA Tripoli militias like RADA.
Action 15 Nov 2016
BM forces said last week that the area of Sirte controlled by ISIS fighters is now ‘less than the size of a football pitch’, while Trump’s anti-ISIS stance mean both pro-GNA and pro-Haftar forces are hopeful that they will receive support from the new US administration in their fights against ISIS and other jihadis.
Western 15 Nov 2016
A meeting held in Malta to discuss the political impasse in the LPA fizzled out without any significant results. The anti-GNA factions are waiting for the LPA to expire in December, hopeful that following Trump’s victory, a potential new international political order will favour their political ambitions.
Other 15 Nov 2016
Jihadi groups seemed to be on the back foot last week, perhaps rattled by Trump’s victory given his anti-jihadi stance. Clashes between the LNA and BRSC intensified in Benghazi, with the BRSC launching Grad missiles and issuing a statement claiming that victory against Haftar is near. In Derna, the LNA raided a significant DMSC weapons cache to the west of the city, while the DMSC declared a military zone in part of the city.
Anti 15 Nov 2016
PM Fayez Serraj and his allies are taking active measures to entrench the GNA’s de facto control in the capital by creating new security forces and appointing ministers, provoking fears in Eastern Libya that the GNA intends to ‘go it alone’.
Action 8 Nov 16
BM forces stormed ISIS’s stronghold of al-Jiza al-Bahriya in Sirte last week, evacuating families used as human shields. BM forces are expected to declare victory against ISIS in Sirte soon.
Western 8 Nov 16
There has been confusion this week over whether American airstrikes against ISIS positions in Sirte have ended or have just been paused temporarily, while the outcomes of the economic meeting in London are still unclear.
Other 8 Nov 16
In Tripoli, tensions are growing between RADA and BRSC, with two RADA officers assassinated last week. In Benghazi, there was an assassination attempt against the head of the Magharba tribe while the GNA MoD is believed to be allying with BDB militias.