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.
14 – 20 June: Misratan Convoy Deploys to Tripoli
On 17 June, a convoy of anti-GNA militias from Misrata attempted to deploy to Tripoli. However, they reportedly became divided among themselves, cancelled the deployment and most of them drove back to Misrata. On 15 June, 46 HoR members formed a new bloc called the ‘National Consensus Bloc’.
REPORT: The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya
REPORT: The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya
In “The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya,” Jason Pack, Rhiannon Smith and Karim Mezran examine ISIS’s pre-history, birth, expansion, consolidation, and dispersal in Libya, as well as the broader political context of the country –offering advice and recommendations for how Western governments and militaries should approach jihadist actors globally.
6-13 June: LNA claims arrest of ISIS member in Sebha
The LNA-affiliated 116 brigade reportedly arrested a jihadist cell, including an ISIS member, in an anti-terrorism raid in Sebha. Three members of the al-Bunyan al-Marsus 166 brigade were killed in ambush south-west of Sirte, suspected to have been carried out by ISIS fighters.
6-13 June: Anti-Qatar alliance blacklists Ghariani, Belhaj & Sallabi
The blockade against Qatar continues, with several Libyans blacklisted for ties to Qatar. The UN Expert Panel on Libya’s latest report highlights UAE support to the LNA and the role of foreign mercenaries, while the UNSC extended the arms embargo against Libya.
6-13 June: Misratan entities unite against BDB
A variety of Misratan entities united against the BDB last week, banning them from entering Misrata armed and demanding they surrender weapons and handover their leader. Werfalli published another execution video, while the LNA seized the Libya Shield base in Souq al-Hout.
6-13 June: Zintan Says Saif al-Islam is Free
A Zintani militia claims to have released Saif al-Islam al-Qadhafi while the HoR releases a blacklist of Libyan individuals and entities it claims are linked to terrorist activities through Qatar.
Atlantic Council Event: The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya
On 20 June, the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Centre will convene a discussion on its new report, The Origins and Evolution of ISIS in Libya. The unique, comprehensive, and groundbreaking report examines the jihadist dynamics in Libya and offers recommendations to address this threat. The discussion will feature the report’s co-authors Jason Pack, Rhiannon Smith, […]
Mapping Libya’s Jihadists
Mapping Libya’s Jihadists
In a long form article for Norwegian NGO Hate Speech International, Jason Pack and Rhiannon Smith map out the history and context of Libya’s myriad jihadist groups.
31 May-6 June: Misrata’s security forces release ISIS Confession Video
On 5 June, the anti-crime unit of Misrata’s security forces released a recording that claims to show the ‘confessions’ of an ISIS fighter known as Aseeda. In the video, Aseeda describes ISIS and BRSC cooperation in Benghazi, including over a bank robbery.