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 20 Sept 16
Fighting in Benghazi reduced dramatically in the last week, with only intermittent clashes taking place between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and jihadists, while the LNA continues to launch airstrikes against Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) positions in Derna.
Anti 20 Sept 16
The anti-ISIS coalition, such as exists, is in a state of flux after Haftar’s seizure of the oil ports. Misratan officials have said that they will not go to war against the LNA to support Jadhran, however after Haftar’s forces succeeded in repelling a counter attack against the Sidra and Ras Lanuf ports, they pushed to within 50km of Sirte where Misrata are currently battling ISIS.
Action 13 Sept 16
In Sirte, the Misratan-led Bunyan al-Marsus forces have continued to make gains against the remaining ISIS forces, which are now holed up in a very small section of the city. However, progress is slow because the Misratans continue to suffer losses from sniper fire and suicide attacks.
Western 13 Sept 16
The international community has condemned the LNA takeover of the oil crescent ports and has called for a cessation of hostilities, as well as unity in fighting ISIS.
Other 13 Sept 16
Fighting between the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) and the LNA in Derna has intensified this week with several clashes taking place in and around the city. In Tripoli, tensions between pro-GNA and anti-GNA militias appears to be growing, with two car explosions taking place on 8 September near key GNA facilities.
ANTI 13 Sept 16
On 11 September, General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) announced and launched a secretive military operation named Sudden Lightening, and by 12 September the LNA had taken full military control of the Oil Crescent. Ras Lanuf, Sidra and Zuetina oil ports were wrested away from Ibrahim Jadhran’s Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG), and are now under control of the House of Representatives-aligned (HoR) LNA.
Action 5 Sept 16
The Misratan-led Al-Bunyan Al-Marsus forces are now very close to completely defeating ISIS in Sirte. The ISIS HQ in Sirte has been taken and was visited last week by the PM Fayez Al Serraj and some members of the GNA Presidential Council.
Western 5 Sept 16
President Obama has extended the US military campaign in Sirte for an additional 30 days, while European nations continue to extend support for the Libyan Political Agreement.
Other 5 Sept 16
In Derna, tensions between the Libyan National Army and jihadist forces are growing, with jihadist fighters attempting to launch a botched suicide attack against the LNA last week. There are reports of jihadist fighters from the Benghazi Defence Brigades tricking into Tripoli in anticipation of GNA fighters returning to the capital following the imminent defeat of ISIS in Sirte.