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.
Anti 8 Nov 16
GNA Defence Minister Mahdi al-Barghathi condemned Haftar and the LNA last week, accusing them of carrying out assassinations and human rights abuses in eastern Libya. The LNA fears Barghati is allying with BDB militias and Jadhran loyalists to launch a counter-attack on the oil crescent.
Action 1 Nov 16
In Sirte, the BM spokesperson also said BM forces are allowing any civilians still living in the densely populated al-Jiza al-Bahriya area to evacuate before they make their ‘final’ assault.
Western 1 Nov 16
Western powers hosted a controversial meeting in London on 31 October between Libyan officials to discuss Libya’s deteriorating economic situation, during which they reiterated their support for the GNA and Libyan Political Agreement.
Other 1 Nov 16
Fierce fighting between the LNA and jihadi forces continues in Benghazi. 5 LNA soldiers were killed last week trying to clear a mine field in Ganfuda, while 4 civilians were killed and many injured when an IED exploded in Kish Square.
Anti 1 Nov 16
Rapprochement efforts between the LNA and Misratan factions which side step the UN-process appear to be bearing fruit, with the pro-Haftar HoR President Agilah Saleh holding a flurry of meetings with rival politicians and militias this week. In western Libya, clashes have broken out in Zawiyya while in Tripoli, inter-militia tensions, crime and lawlessness are growing.
Action 25 Oct 16
In Sirte, the Misratan-led Bunyan al-Marsus (BM) forces, who are aligned with the GNA, have continued their assault against the remaining ISIS fighters in the city, while in Benghazi ISIS fighters engaged the LNA in Gawarsha.
Western 25 Oct 16
Last week, UN and European diplomats visited PM Fayez Serraj and head of the High Council of State, Abdulrahman Swehli, to discuss the recent ‘coup’ attempt in Tripoli and to reaffirm their support for the Libyan Political Agreement and the GNA. The US have ramped up their airstrikes in Sirte and are in the process of switching the aircrafts involved in this campaign.
Other 25 Oct 16
The Benghazi Defence Brigades are attempting to outmaneuver and rally support against Haftar from Tripoli, while in Misrata, divisions between pro- and anti-GNA factions are deepening, with hardline Islamist Misratan factions mobilizing to Tripoli while in Misrata itself, two barges belonging to the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council were sunk.
Anti 25 Oct 16
The GNA and other LPA institutions continue to weaken and fragment, while tensions between (and within) pro-Haftar, Misratan and Islamist factions continues to deepen.