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.
20-26 Sept: AS ‘Confession’ Video Sparks Retaliation Attacks
On 17 September, the LNA broadcast the televised ‘confessions’ of Ibrahim Muftah Abu Nuwwara, an imprisoned Ansar al-Sharia fighter from Ajdabiya, in which he confessed to ordering assassinations in Ajdabiya. This sparked reprisals with the houses of those involved, namely the Jadhran and Abu Nuwwara families, being burned down.
20-26 Sept: Salame Unveils Libya Roadmap at UNGA
On 20 September, Salame outlined the proposed new UN roadmap for Libya at a high level meeting on Libya at UNGA. The roadmap consists of a 3 stage process: limited amendments to the LPA, a National Congress Conference of all Libyan actors to agree and endorse the new government and constitutional amendments, and finally a referendum and elections.
20-26 Sept: Igtet Demo Flops; Sabratha Clashes Intensify
Protests led by Basit Igtet in Marytrs square drew crowds but not as many as expected and the protest appeared to fizzle out without incident. Clashes in Sabratha between Dabbashi and Anti-ISIS force have escalated with civilians killed and other forces attempting to mobilize from Zawiyya and Watiya airbase to support their allies.
13-19 September: Salame briefs international FMs in London
On 15 September, the UN Security Council issued resolution 2376 extending the UNSMIL mandate for another year. On 14 September, UN envoy Ghassan Salame briefed the foreign ministers of America, Italy, the UAE, Egypt and France in London at the talks organized by the British FM. LNA Commander Haftar met with Congolese President, Denis Sassou Nguesso; Tunisian President, Beji Caid Essebsi; and US ambassador to Libya, Peter Bodde.
13-19 September: Ghariani and Ghwell side with Igtet over anti-GNA protests planned for 25 September
Islamist ‘hardliners’ such as Grand Mufti Sadeq al-Ghariani and Khalifa al-Ghwell have been quick to back Igtet over anti-GNA protests planned for 25 September, in Tripoli’s Martyrs’ Square. GNA-affiliates Haithem Tajouri and Hashem Bishr both denounced the planned demonstrations and threatened to suppress the protest.
13-19 September: DMSC claims it has identified the bodies of 5 foreigners abducted by ISIS near Derna in 2015
The DMSC claims to have found the bodies of 5 foreigners abducted by ISIS in March 2015. DMSC forces found the deceased during a combing operation in June 2015 and identified them after scrutinizing equipment and laptops seized in Derna following the defeat of ISIS in the area earlier in the year.
13-19 September: Several Killed in Clashes between Dabbashi and 48 Brigade in Sabratha
On 16 September, clashes broke out in Sabratha among units affiliated with the Anas Dabbashi Brigade and the 48 Brigade, leaving at least five dead and 18 injured. LNA air force jets flew over the city on 18 September, triggering local fears that the LNA might intervene if the clashes escalate further. A brief ceasefire was announced on 18 September for an ICRC led evacuation though it is reported that the gun fighting continued.
5-12 September: LNA and BM reinforce Oil Crescent region against ISIS resurgence
On 10 September, the commander of the LNA’s Sirte Operation Room declared that the entire coastal strip from Sidra to about 50km east of Sirte. On 8 September, the LNA reportedly defused a bomb attached to the main gas pipeline south of Ajdabiya. BM forces are positioned at the 30km checkpoint east of Sirte, and it is reported that BM arrested two people in a raid last week, fueling tensions with the local population.
5-12 September: Italian Interior Minister is latest Western politician to visit Libya as Salame expresses frustration over international competition on Libya
On 5 September, Italy’s Interior Minister Marco Minitti visited LNA Commander Khalifa Haftar in Benghazi just a day after the French FM Jean-Yves Le Drian completed his tour of Libya. The new UNSMIL chief Ghassan Salamé is said to be frustrated by the succession of independent bilateral attempts to broker a solution to Libya’s crises, particularly ahead of the UN General Assembly’s meeting on Libya on 20 September.