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.
29 Mar – 4 Apr: HoR issues terms for participation in dialogue
The HoR voted on its terms for participating in the LPA including reducing the PC to three members, keeping only original GNC members in the HCS, and recognizing the LNA as Libya’s sole legitimate armed force.
22 – 28 Mar: US Will Maintain Force in Libya to Counter ISIS
Head of US AFRICOM says US will maintain a force in Libya to work with the GNA if necessary against ISIS, estimates 100 – 200 ISIS fighters left in the country.
22 – 28 Mar: UNSC P5 Issue Joint Statement Calling For Restraint in Libya
UNSC P5 issued a joint statement calling on all Libyan parties to settle differences through political processes, however the UNSC has still not agreed on a replacement for Kobler as UN Libya envoy.
LNA Hits Sabri & Souq al-Hout With Airstrikes
LNA announces the start of its ‘final’ operation to retake central Benghazi and targets jihadist supply vessels. In Jufra, the LNA appoints a new head for its Jufra Ops Room and is expected to launch an assault soon.
22 – 28 Mar: GNA Establishes Sirte Protection Force, HoR Denounces as Terrorists
The GNA established a 3,000-strong ‘Sirte protection’ force from the BM forces that fought ISIS in Sirte. The HoR called it a ‘terrorist’ force while the LNA appointed Qadhafi-era commander to head its Sirte ops room
15 – 21 Mar: LNA Mutilates Jihadi Corpses
A video was widely shared on social media this week appearing to show the decomposing body of jihadist Jamal Makhzoum strapped to the front of a vehicle then being paraded around by LNA fighters.
15 – 21 Mar: International Quartet on Libya Established
The LAS, the AU, the EU and the UN set up a Quartet to coordinate efforts in Libya and reaffirmed their support for the LPA.
15 – 21 Mar: LNA ‘liberates’ Ganfuda, Retakes Oil Crescent and Attacks South
On 18 March, the LNA announced it had fully liberated Ganfuda from jihadists and began targeting Sabri and Souq al-Hout. The LNA has also retaken the Oil Crescent and on 20 March, pushed further south.
15 – 21 Mar: Fragile Ceasefire in Tripoli as Ghwell Forces Evicted
After clashes escalated in Tripoli last week, rifts within Misrata deepened as pro-GNA militias evicted Khalifa al-Ghwell from the Rixos compound and protests took place on Tripoli and Misrata