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.
Western — 15 March 2016
In an Atlantic article from the April 2016 issue, US President Barack Obama hinted that America’s European and British partners have gravely disappointed in their support for Libya. Meanwhile last week’s comments by Italian Prime Minister Renzi against French ‘haste’ in 2011 have generated their fair share of scorn. The US, UK and EU called […]
Other — 15 March 2016
Ansar al-Sharia (AAS) continues to publish videos, including UAV video footage of 120mm mortar fire on the Libyan National Army (LNA) in the Hawari area of southern Benghazi, and a sniper using a .50-caliber rifle to target LNA soldiers. The Benghazi-based coalition of jihadists is showing increasing signs of breakdown. Recently, the coalition had mutually […]
Anti — 15 March 2016
Benghazi In eastern Libya, the Libyan National Army (LNA) continues to consolidate its gains in Benghazi against a coalition of jihadists affiliated with the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council (BRSC), Ansar Al Sharia (AAS) and ISIS. The LNA has succeeded in confining these groups to the southwestern areas of the Benghazi, mainly Guwarsha and Ganfuda, as […]
Action — 8 March 2016
As ISIS loses key personnel and territory in its battles with local fighters in Benghazi and Sabratha, the group is being forced to expedite its plans of establishing an emirate in Southern Tunisia. Developments over the course of the last two weeks indicate that ISIS has yet to find a hospitable environment in Libya, especially […]
Western — 8 March 2016
A recent article by the Washington Post said that the Pentagon had presented the White House with the most detailed set of military options yet for attacking the growing ISIS threat in Libya. The plans are said to include a range of potential airstrikes against training camps, command centres, munitions depots and other militant targets. […]
Other — 8 March 2016
Since the beginning of 2016, coinciding with the new ISIS campaign against Libyan Oil Crescent ports and the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) latest surge against ISIS-linked militias in Benghazi, the significance of other non-state actors has diminished. The LNA’s advance in Benghazi last week against ISIS, the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council (BRSC) and Ansar Al Sharia […]
Anti — 8 March 2016
The LNA’s ‘Martyrs’ Blood’ Operation’ launched on 20 February managed to retake strategic locations in Hawari and the University district in South Benghazi last week. LNA aircraft also continued to blockade the city and the coast, targeting any trawlers that have attempted to resupply or medevac fighters. Fighting has still taken place around Benghazi’s cement […]
Action — 2 March 2016
Since 16 February, the last edition of the Eye on ISIS in Libya report, major shifts in ISIS presence and impact in Libya have taken place, reducing the threat somewhat in Eastern Libya, while escalating it in Western Libya. In Eastern Libya, ISIS lost its bastion of Al Lithi in Benghazi on 23 February. This […]
Western — 2 March 2016
As the political process for Libya mediated by the UN begins to flounder, signals are emerging that the international community is more seriously considering the ‘military option’. International media reports have begun to reveal the different roles played by western countries such as France, the US and the UK in supporting various power brokers in […]