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.
Action 11 Oct 16
ISIS forces are still entrenched within a roughly one square kilometre enclave in north-east Sirte and continue to inflict casualties on their Misratan opponents through their use of snipers and explosive devices. This week, the Misratan forces made further gains against the remaining ISIS fighters, with support from US air strikes.
Western 11 Oct 16
The recent takeover of the oil ports by Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar and the Libyan National Army (LNA), who are aligned with the Tobruq-based House of Representatives (HoR), has significantly shifted the balance of political and military power away from PM Fayez Serraj and his Presidential Council, and towards Haftar. As a result, there is growing international pressure to find a way to bring Haftar within the Libyan Political Agreement, in order to reflect the realities on the ground.
Other 11 Oct 16
Fighting continues between LNA forces and jihadists in Benghazi, with the LNA also extending raids into nearby towns. In Tripoli, tensions are growing between pro-GNA militias and hardline Islamists, with one of the Mufti’s close associates being kidnapped last week.
Anti 11 Oct 16
On 7 October, the Presidential Council met with all of its members in Tunis, but little came of the meeting. Although Haftar is consolidating his control over Eastern Libya, and is using this as leverage to gain greater power within negotiations, he is struggling to exert his control over western and southern Libya.
Action 4 Oct 16
After a lull in fighting last week, Bunyan al-Marsus forces launched a fresh offensive on ISIS-held areas of Sirte. They sustained heavy losses, while in an area of the city supposedly secured by BM forces, a Dutch journalist was killed by an ISIS sniper.
Western 4 Oct 16
The international community continues diplomatic efforts to help support a political solution for Libya that includes the GNA and Haftar.
Other 4 Oct 16
In Tripoli, tensions are growing between local Tripoli militias and their hard-line Islamist rivals, with a spate of kidnappings and assassinations taking place last week. In Benghazi and Derna, intermittent fighting continues between LNA forces and their jihadist rivals.
Anti 4 Oct 16
Haftar and the LNA continue to consolidate power in eastern Libyan through the militarization of governance in the region, while internecine tensions within Tripoli and Misrata are growing.
Action 27 Sept 16
In Sirte, Misratan forces continue to battle ISIS fighters who remain barricaded in their stronghold in north-eastern Sirte. The Misratans suffered heavy losses last week after a renewed push to take the ISIS-held area, while ISIS fighters also launched a surprise attack against Sirte port.