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.
Other – 5 April 2015
The Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council is still dug in in Al-Laithi, Buatni and Qawarsha among other areas. Thus although Hafter clearly has the upper hand, this battle will continue to drag on, inflicting further damage on the city.
Anti – 5 April 2015
Hafter finally made some progress in Benghazi this week, taking almost full control of the notorious Al-Sabri neighbourhood. Fierce fighting also has continued around Sirte prompting Misrata’s Brigade 166 on 4 April to declare a curfew on the town.
Action – 29 March 2015
ISIS are still present around the nearby town of Nawfiliya, which Sunrise forces took back last week. ISIS fighters are reported to have set up a checkpoint at the entrance to Nawfiliya in recent days. ISIS also carried out a suicide bombing this week against Operation Sunrise forces at an electricity plant 15 km west of Sirte. The attack was executed shortly after Operation Sunrise planes bombed ISIS positions in the town.
Western – 29 March 2015
The UN Security Council unanimously voted on 28 March to extend its arms embargo on Libya although it allowed space for restrictions to be lifted on a case by case basis by calling on the Sanctions Committee to consider requests for the transfer of arms and related material to the Libyan Government for use by the official armed forces in its fight against IS and its supporters.
Other – 29 March 2015
There is growing evidence that militants in Benghazi are aligning themselves more definitively with ISIS. An audio file emerged on the Internet this week purporting to be a recording of the leader of Ansar Al-Sharia in Libya, who goes by the name Abu Abdullah Libbi, pledging allegiance to the group.
Anti – 29 March 2015
Fighting is still raging in Sirte as Operation Sunrise and Brigade 166 continue to battle it out against ISIS. Hafter’s battle for Benghazi continues to drag on with little change in the status quo.
Action – 23 March 2015
On 16 March a booby trapped car exploded at a military camp belonging to Brigade 166 prompting Misrata to announce a state of high alert and night time curfew. Another blast occurred on 22 March targeting an intelligence service headquarters in Misrata.
Western – 23 March 2015
There was no overt Western response to jihadi activity this week.
Other – 23 March 2015
There was no significant activity by other jihadi actors this week.