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 – 9 February 2015
There was no overt Western response to jihadi activity in Libya this week.
Other – 9 February 2015
In Tripoli a number of Ottoman-era tombs were attacked and damaged by radical Islamist groups while fighting continues unabated in Benghazi.
Anti – 9 February 2015
Operation Dignity launched in the early hours of Thursday 5 February a new initiative inside Benghazi, labeling it as “the final push” to achieve full control of the city.
Action – 19 January 2015
ISIS-cells inside Libya appear to be increasingly assertive and to be developing the potential to influence military and political events at the national level, including UN-backed negotiations and the overall dialogue process. An explosive device was detonated outside of the Algerian Embassy in Tripoli and 21 Coptic Christians were abducted in Sirte.
Western – 19 January 2015
On Wednesday 14 January, multilateral direct UN-backed negotiations started in Geneva, despite the last minute boycott of the Martyr’s bloc which was misrepresented in the media as a boycott of the whole rump GNC.
Other – 19 January 2015
Fighting continues unabated in Benghazi, particularly in the eastern districts of al-Sabri (near the maritime port) and al-Sulmani, where medium and heavy weapons were employed on both sides throughout the week. Operation Dignity also carried out attacks on naval vessels suspected of carrying supplies for Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council fighters.
Anti – 19 January 2015
On Friday 16 January Libya Dawn and Operation Dignity jointly declared a unilateral general ceasefire with immediate effect. As a result the security threat decreased for all of Libya’s ports, except Benghazi and Derna due to Operation Dignity announcement that it will continue to ‘fight extremists’.
Action – 12 January 2015
There was no noticeable change in ISIS activity in Libya this week.
Western – 12 January 2015
Italy’s PM Matteo Renzi opened the door to a UN-sanctioned peacekeeping mission in Libya should negotiations fail. It is unclear what impact, if any, will this week’s terrorist attack in Paris have over France’s already pro-active policy in Libya.