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.
15 – 21 Mar: LNA ‘liberates’ Ganfuda, Retakes Oil Crescent and Attacks South
On 18 March, the LNA announced it had fully liberated Ganfuda from jihadists and began targeting Sabri and Souq al-Hout. The LNA has also retaken the Oil Crescent and on 20 March, pushed further south.
15 – 21 Mar: Fragile Ceasefire in Tripoli as Ghwell Forces Evicted
After clashes escalated in Tripoli last week, rifts within Misrata deepened as pro-GNA militias evicted Khalifa al-Ghwell from the Rixos compound and protests took place on Tripoli and Misrata
8 – 14 March: LNA launches another offensive in Ganfuda
On 13 March, the LNA launched a major offensive to take control of the 12 Flats area of Ganfuda in Benghazi, while the head of AFRICOM has warned that ISIS are regrouping in Libya.
8 – 14 March: Reports of Russian forces in Libya, US concerned
Head of US AFRICOM warns that Russia is trying to influence outcome in Libya as Reuters reports that Russian Special Forces are stationed at an Egyptian airbase just across from the Libyan border
8 – 14 March: LNA retakes Oil Crescent from BDB
On 14 March, the LNA launched a counter attack against the BDB. Following intense fighting, by the end of the day the LNA claimed to be in control of the Oil Crescent once more, including the oil ports.
8 – 14 March: Clashes escalate in Hay al-Andalus, Tripoli
Clashes erupted on 13/14 March in western Tripoli between Tripoli militias including Kara and Tajouri’s forces on one side, and Amazigh and Misratan militias on the other.
BDB Aims to Rescue Jihadists in Benghazi From Haftar
A BDB commander said “our goal is to rescue Benghazi from Haftar and return displaced families to their homes”. The LNA siege against jihadist fighters from the BRSC, Ansar al-Sharia and Islamic State in the 12 Flats area of Ganfuda is ongoing
West Calls for Ceasefire, Egypt Doesn’t Mention BDB Advance
Egypt issued a statement calling for Libyan parties to continue with political negotiations, but did not mention the BDB advances against the LNA. The UN, UK, US and France have condemned the escalation of violence.
Islamist Benghazi Defence Brigades Seize Oil Crescent Ports
The Islamist Benghazi Defence Brigades launched a surprise attack against the LNA in the oil crescent last week, pushing the LNA back to Brega and taking control of two oil ports. The LNA has accused the PC of working with BDB and other jihadists to mastermind the attack.