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.
July 24-August 1st 2017: LNA and DMSC Clashes Escalate Aerial Assaults
On 26 July, Libyan National Army (LNA) Special Operations forces posted photos of a captured Ansar al-Sharia senior leader, Ibrahim Abu Nawwara. Conflict in Derna between the LNA and DMSC escalated last week following LNA airstrikes against the DMSC. On 29 July, the DMSC shot down an LNA MiG-23 fighter jet, and apprehended both the pilot and the co-pilot. The LNA announced a return to full fledged siege, and shut down all routes into Derna in reprisal. The latest escalation is reportedly the result of a tightening military and social noose around the DMSC.
July 24-August 1st 2017: Libya’s CDA approves constitution draft and moves towards Public Referendum
On 29 July, a majority of Libya’s CDA voted to approve the latest draft of the Libyan constitution draft, even as local and armed protestors attempted to disrupt the vote and assaulted some CDA members. The Head of the CDA formally issued the constitution draft on 31 July, and with HoR approval the document should progress to a national referendum within the next 30 days.
July 18-25: BM Forces Prepare for Imminent ISIS Attack On Sirte
Misratan-led Bunyan Marsus (BM) forces have raised the level of security readiness in anticipation of an impending Islamic State (ISIS) attack on Sirte from the south and the east. GNA spokesman Mohammed al-Ghosri denied rumours that BM requested military support from the LNA and posited that the LNA’s position in Jufra may actually facilitate the presence and movement of ISIS south of Sirte.
July 18-25: French Initiative in Libya Political Settlement Breeds Italian Discontent
On 25 July, LNA Commander Haftar and GNA PM agree to a ceasefire and 2018 elections after meeting in France hosted by Emmanuel Macron. Italy is reportedly unsettled by France’s initiative and has expressed fear that Italy will be ousted from its traditional role as the leader of European diplomacy in Libya. on 25 July, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt announced new Libyan entities and individuals were added to their list of Qatar-funded ‘terrorists’.
July 18-25: Al-Werfalli Stars in Most Recent LNA Prisoner of War Execution Video
On 23 July, a new video was released of notorious LNA senior commander Mahmoud al-Werfalli directing the execution of 18 prisoners of war believed to belong to ISIS. The video followed a UN request for the LNA to investigate the summary executions of prisoners and other human rights issues. GNA PM Fayez Serraj condemned the fatwa against Ibadi Muslims that was issued by the Awqaf and is supported by the Islamic affairs authority affiliated with the Beida-based interim government.
July 18-25: Misrata Fears Marginalization in Shadow of Serraj and Haftar’s Agreement
On 25 July, LNA Commander Haftar and GNA PM Serraj have ‘committed to a ceasefire’ with promises to use force for counter-terrorism efforts only, and to work towards holding presidential and parliamentary elections in the Spring of 2018. Misrata and other Islamist-affiliated members of the PC fear they might loose their role in Libyan power politics if the HCS is dissolved as an interim institution in exchange for new parliamentary and presidential elections.
11-17 July: 50 LNA Soldiers Dead and More Injured Since Liberation of Benghazi
Battles continue in the final area (Khribish) in Sabri district of Benghazi, where a number of fighters and families are now still believed to be holding out, despite General Haftar’s announcement of official victory in Benghazi on 5 July. 10 LNA fighters were killed last week according to pro-LNA media.
11-17 July: EU Works With Local Governments to Address Issues in Libya
Various sources report that Libyan general Ali Kanna visited Algerian foreign minister Abdelkader Messahel in Algiers last week. Mayor of Zintan and other western Libyan municipal leaders met with members of EU committee as part of their campaign to partner with local authorities to implement stabilization programmes. Italian MOI met with Zuwaran local officials in Tripoli to discuss possible Italian support and cooperation regarding the migration issue.
11-17 July: Skirmishes Between Pro-GNA and Hardliner Militias Continue in Tripoli
Skirmishes between Pro-GNA and hardliner militias in Tripoli continued this week, ending as the GNA-aligned militias successfully ousted hardliner militias from their positions in eastern Tripoli. Pro-GNA militias reported the loss of 10 fighters in the three-day battle.