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.
5 May 2016 ISIS in Action
In Sirte, ISIS is taking unprecedented measures as the buildup of rival Libyan forces towards a battle in Sirte is almost complete. ISIS is reported to have executed, by firing squad an army captain, named as Ahnaish Qaddafi, and two other soldiers, both bothers, as it tries to control public dissent in the town before […]
5 May 2016 Western Response
During a Senate Armed Forces Committee hearing on 28 April, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Joseph Dunford said the US has moved surveillance drones into Libyan airspace to gather intelligence and to prepare for the potential of additional airstrikes against ISIS. At a press conference on 3 May, Dunford also said that US AFRICOM […]
5 May 2016 Other Jihadi Actors
Non-State actors in Benghazi continue to battle with LNA forces in Benghazi, although they have now been pushed and cornered to a limited are of twenty five squared km of land in Guwarsha and Ganfuda, according to the LNA spokesperson on 3 May. Ansar Al Sharia and Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council (BRSC) media arms continue […]
5 May 2016 Anti-ISIS Coalition
The battle to liberate Sirte from IS was long seen by supporters of the UN deal as the national unity project gelling the rival actors into an internationally supported, locally led anti-ISIS coalition. However current realities appear to paint a different picture. Over the last week, political divisions are shaping the battle as a competitive […]
Action — 27 April 2016
ISIS withdrew from Derna on 20 April after intense fighting with the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC), and their Libyan National Army (LNA) allies, just days before. Sources in Derna report that ISIS retreated after their commanders issued orders to fall back to Sirte. The consolidation of ISIS forces in Sirte could mean that the […]
Other — 27 April 2016
The recent gains of the Libyan National Army (LNA) in Benghazi have put significant pressure on jihadi actors in the city, including Ansar Al Sharia (AAS) and the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council (BRSC). A new video statement issued by BRSC leader Wisam Bin Hamid on 24 April attempted to motivate the BRSC’s supporters. However, the […]
Western — 27 April 2016
UN Special Envoy Martin Kobler called for western forces to help combat ISIS in partnership with the Government of National Accord (GNA). Kobler said foreign powers should offer training and military support, combined with an end to the UN arms embargo. “The Daesh expansion can only be stopped militarily,” he said. “There is a consensus […]
Anti — 27 April 2016
The sudden ISIS withdrawal from Derna on 20 April, and the lack of combat between ISIS convoys and LNA, has revived suspicions among Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) supporters that the LNA and ISIS are collaborating. Furthermore, the civilian casualties resulting from five consecutive days of LNA airstrikes against DMSC positions in Derna have enflamed […]
Action — 20 April 2016
ISIS attacked the ‘28 May’ militia near Sadada on 13 April, beheading militia leaders, looting large amounts of munitions, and destroying the remaining armaments that could not be transported from the camp. Some sources report that the ISIS militants who conducted the operation did so without direction from ISIS senior command in Sirte, and that […]