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 — 7 Dec 2015
This week, both the Italian and French PMs explicitly dismissed the notion of boots-on-the-ground military intervention against ISIS in Libya. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also ruled out such an intervention…. France confirmed that it carried out ISR flights over Sirte on 20 and 21 November, aimed at collecting intelligence on ISIS movements.
Other — 7 Dec 2015
Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) bragged about their control of central Derna and released a statement eulogizing the emir of Ansar Al Sharia’s Derna branch, Hamid al-Sha’iri. According to it Al-Sha’iri and his men were killed last week “as a result of a treacherous ambush laid by the soldiers of the taghut [Haftar].” […]
Anti — 7 Dec 2016
Al-Hassi was previously the commander of LNA operations in Derna where he has performed well and succeeded in getting anti-ISIS Islamist militias to work together with anti-Islamist Haftar forces. In short, Hassi represents the “broad Mosque” model that is needed to forge any feasible anti-ISIS coaltion in Benghazi.
Action – 23 November 2015
IS assassinated two more security officers Ajdabiya, bringing the number killed this month to twelve. The killings reinforce the local and tribal divisions in the Oil Crescent and threaten serious regional instability.
Western – 23 November 2015
There was no discernable Western response to the ISIS threat in Libya this week.
Other – 23 November 2015
The Ajdabiya Revolutionaries’ Shoura Council controls significant territory and poses a threat to the LNA.
Anti – 23 November 2015
The wave of assassinations in Ajdabiya is stoking tensions between the Libyan National Army and other factions there.
Action – 16 November 2015
ISIS continues to try to consolidate its hold of Sirte and reportedly clashed with Misuratan forces between Sirte and Jufra.
Western – 16 November 2015
The US announced its first airstrike against an IS target in Derna, claiming to have killed the top IS leader in Libya. an entire LNA unit was killed by a suicide bomber.