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 25 Oct 16
Last week, UN and European diplomats visited PM Fayez Serraj and head of the High Council of State, Abdulrahman Swehli, to discuss the recent ‘coup’ attempt in Tripoli and to reaffirm their support for the Libyan Political Agreement and the GNA. The US have ramped up their airstrikes in Sirte and are in the process of switching the aircrafts involved in this campaign.
Other 25 Oct 16
The Benghazi Defence Brigades are attempting to outmaneuver and rally support against Haftar from Tripoli, while in Misrata, divisions between pro- and anti-GNA factions are deepening, with hardline Islamist Misratan factions mobilizing to Tripoli while in Misrata itself, two barges belonging to the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council were sunk.
Anti 25 Oct 16
The GNA and other LPA institutions continue to weaken and fragment, while tensions between (and within) pro-Haftar, Misratan and Islamist factions continues to deepen.
Action 18 Oct 16
Battles continued last week between the Government of National Accord (GNA)-aligned, Misratan-led ‘Bunyan Marsus’ (BM) forces and Islamic State (ISIS) in Sirte. Despite repeated announcements of the city’s imminent liberation by BM forces, the end does not yet appear to be in sight.
Western 18 Oct 16
The main Western reaction to events in Libya last week was in response to the attempted ‘coup’ in Tripoli. A number of international statements were issued condemning the incident and reiterating support to the GNA.
Other 18 Oct 16
Both in the lead-up to, and the aftermath of, al-Ghwell’s ‘coup’ attempt, Tripoli witnessed several minor clashes between various pro-GNA and anti-GNA militias all across the city, while in Benghazi fighting continues between the LNA and BSRC and ISIS fighters in Ganfuda and Sabri.
Anti 18 Oct 16
Last week, the Libyan political process was made even more complex and confusing when a former PM led a self-declared coup attempt against the GNA in Tripoli. The GNA condemned the move but some anti-GNA factions and militias are rallying around the coup-makers.
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.