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 – 19 October 2014
General Khalifa Hafter launched a major offensive against Islamist militants in Benghazi this week making serious gains that seem to have finally shifted the balance of power between his forces and those of the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council more firmly in his favour.
Western – 19 October 2014
The US along with the UK, France, Italy and Germany issued a joint statement this week condemning the violence in Libya and calling on all parties to agree on a ceasefire.
Other – 19 October 2014
Despite Operation Dignity’s claims to the contrary, it is still struggling to take over certain camps belonging to the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council forces, such as the main base of the 17th February Brigade.
Anti – 19 October 2014
General Hafter launched a major offensive against his opponents in Benghazi this week. Fierce fighting has continued in the Jebel Nafusa as the Zintani brigades continue their assault against Operation Libya Dawn controlled towns in the area.
Action – 12 October 2014
ISIS did not exist in Libya at this point and its precursor groups were largely on the offensive in Benghazi this week.
Western – 12 October 2014
Algeria’s bid to host a Libyan national reconciliation initiative is gathering momentum. Algeria has been trying for some time to sponsor peace talks between Libya’s warring parties, viewing this as a preferable option to some kind of military intervention.
Other – 12 October 2014
This week has seen further bloody clashes erupt in Benghazi as the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council has continued in its bid to try to take Benina airport from Haftar’s Operation Dignity forces.
Anti – 12 October 2014
The army’s referring to the Zintani brigades as part of its own forces is a new and notable development. Zintani brigades made another attempt to fight back against Operation Libya Dawn this week when they launched an offensive against the town of Kikla in the western mountains.
Action – 5 October 2014
Although ISIS was not directly involved in Libya, its jihadi precursors were attempting evermore audacious attacks and changing the culture of the civil war. The use of suicide bombings has raised the spectre of further such attacks being carried out not only in Benghazi but elsewhere in Libya.