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.
Anti – 8 September 2014
Violence has continued in Benghazi where General Khalifa Haftar and those Islamist forces fighting under the umbrella of the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council are locked into a seemingly intractable battle to control Benina Airport. However, the Islamists still very much have the upper hand.
Western – 1 September 2014
No Western Response to jihadist in Libya was logged this week.
Other – 1 September 2014
Operation Libya Dawn forces have announced the creation of a Greater Tripoli Revolutionaries Shura Council despite Misratan reluctance. It is clearly meant to serve as a counterpart to the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council, the umbrella group for Islamist militants fighting against Haftar in Benghazi.
Anti – 1 September 2014
Among the Zintanis’ allies only the Warshefana are currently engaged in hostilities against the Misratan and Islamist bloc.
Action – 25 August 2014
ISIS did not exist in Libya but Ansar al-Sharia in Benghazi and various jihadis in Derna were aligning themselves increasingly with the Tripoli/GNC faction as the country fragmented into two blocs.
Western – 25 August 2014
Libya’s neighbours held another ministerial level meeting on 25 August in Cairo in a bid to come up with a plan to resolve the crisis in Libya. The meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of Libya, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan and Chad, and others.
Other – 25 August 2014
Operation Libya Dawn forces took Tripoli airport on 23 August and are now in control of the capital. Islamist forces also appear to be closing in on Operation Dignity forces in Benghazi.
Anti – 25 August 2014
The HoR responded to the triumph of Operation Libya Dawn by branding its forces as well as those of Ansar Al-Sharia as terrorists. It promoted polarisation mirroring the moves of Operation Dawn. It also created a climate in which ‘moderate’ Islamists like the MB and Misratans were keen to work with the emerging ISIS groups.
Action – 18 August 2014
While some groups have expressed their support for Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, ISIS in Libya did not exist yet.