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.
Action — 2 March 2016
Since 16 February, the last edition of the Eye on ISIS in Libya report, major shifts in ISIS presence and impact in Libya have taken place, reducing the threat somewhat in Eastern Libya, while escalating it in Western Libya. In Eastern Libya, ISIS lost its bastion of Al Lithi in Benghazi on 23 February. This […]
Western — 2 March 2016
As the political process for Libya mediated by the UN begins to flounder, signals are emerging that the international community is more seriously considering the ‘military option’. International media reports have begun to reveal the different roles played by western countries such as France, the US and the UK in supporting various power brokers in […]
Other — 2 March 2016
The LNA’s ‘Operation Martyr’s Blood’ has demonstrated that there is not much distinction in fact between Ansar Al Sharia (AAS) in Benghazi and the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council. Wissam Bin Hamid, a known BRSC leader and icon of ‘revolutionaries’ in Benghazi, was shown leading an AAS assault against the LNA raids in the western front […]
Anti — 2 March 2016
Eastern Libya The LNA’s ‘Operation Martyr’s Blood’ has had almost unprecedented success. The breakthrough was facilitated by capturing camps 36 & 319 on 21 February. These camps changed hands at least twice in two months. The last time the LNA was able to make such progress in eastern Benghazi, it was quickly stalled and lost […]
Action — 17 February 2016
ISIS continues to fight for survival in Benghazi and Derna, while consolidating its forces in Sirte and Harwah. As talk of an international campaign to combat ISIS in Libya intensifies, along with the mobilization of Misratan forces, ISIS is preparing itself for a long battle…In Sirte last week, ISIS reportedly declared a state of emergency, recalling forces from Bin Jawad, and vacating seaside homes it had occupied.
Western — 17 February 2016
Despite the inconsistency of the Western community’s position vis-à-vis ISIS in Libya, as well as the faltering Libyan political process, an international bombing campaign of ISIS forces in the country seems a very probable prospect in the near future…Although US Secretary of State John Kerry, downplayed the US role or the intentions of President Barack Obama to intervene militarily in Libya, the chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee said that Obama is “on the verge of taking action” against ISIS in Libya.
Other — 17 February 2016
A MiG-23 fighter belonging to the LNA was shot down 12 February as it bombed positions of the Mujahedeen Shura Council in Garyunes, northwest of Benghazi…Ansar Al Sharia also issued a statement after conducting an attack on five LNA posts on the western battlefront of Benghazi, publishing photographs of looted vehicles and weapons, abandoned by the retreating LNA units.
Anti — 17 February 2016
Aamaq, one of the ISIS media arms in Sirte, reported on the airstrikes that hit Sirte port on 15 February claiming they were carried out by the Libya Dawn faction from Misrata…In Tripoli, the Special Deterrent Force (SDF) affiliated with the General National Congress announced on 10 February that eight Tunisians were expelled from Libya for suspected ties to ISIS.
Action — 9 Feb 2016
ISIS’s ‘Wilayat Tarabulus’ media arm released pictures of a training ‘camp’ near Sirte named “Abu Hamza Al-Muhajir”. Photos showed approximately 50 members engaged in shooting practice with different assault and mounted weapons in the desert… On 1 February, the oil pipeline between Al Entisar oilfield and Zueitina port exploded, likely the result of an ISIS attack. Additionally, three IEDs were reportedly found in the Abu-Attifel oilfield near the pipeline, indicating the a sustained ISIS campaign against oil infrastructure in the region.