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.
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
8 – 14 March: LNA launches another offensive in Ganfuda
On 13 March, the LNA launched a major offensive to take control of the 12 Flats area of Ganfuda in Benghazi, while the head of AFRICOM has warned that ISIS are regrouping in Libya.