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 March 2015
There was no overt Western response to jihadi activity this week.
Other – 9 March 2015
There was no significant activity by other jihadi actors this week.
Anti – 9 March 2015
The HoR formally appointed General Khalifa Haftar the General Commander of the Army, but there was no specific noteworthy actions against IS this week.
Other – 2 March 2015
This week saw the killing of another female activist. On 24 February Intisar Al-Hasairi, who worked on human rights and cultural issues, was shot dead while she was driving with her aunt in the Abu Slim area of Tripoli.
Anti – 2 March 2015
The brigade sent by the GNC to Sirte is still believed to be on the outskirts of the town and has not made any attempt to engage militarily. There were reports in the Arabic media this week that Haftar had launched three bombing raids on Sirte on 1 March.
Action – 2 March 2015
The Islamic State released video directed at foreign fighters, calling on them to come to Libya because “the state of Islam is expanding.” UN-sponsored peace talks that were due to take place in Morocco on 26 February were postponed following the HoR’s announcement last week that it was suspending its participation in the process.
Western – 2 March 2015
British Ambassador to the UN, Sir Mark Lyall Grant stated during an interview with the Al-Arabiya television channel that Libya would only be supplied with weapons to fight IS if it agreed to a national unity government first.
Action – 23 February 2015
On Sunday 22 February, the vacant residence of the Iranian Ambassador was bombed twice in an attack for which Islamic State cells in Libya later claimed responsibility. In revenge for Egyptian air strikes after the execution of Egyptian Coptic Christians, on Friday 20 February, radical groups from Derna detonated three car bombs in the city of Qubbah, currently affiliated with OD and the Tubruq establishment, killing 40 and wounding 70.
Western – 23 February 2015
There was no overt Western response to jihadi activity this week.