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.
Other – 28 July 2014
Fighting between Zintani and Misratan forces appears set to continue while in Benghazi Islamist militias joined together to form the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council and launched a major assault against Special Forces in the city.
Anti – 28 July 2014
Members of the Petroleum Facilities Guard joined Special Forces in Benghazi marking their first foray into direct combat as Islamist forces launched a counterattack against Dignity forces in the city.
Action – 21 July 2014
While some groups expressed their support for Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, ISIS in Libya did not exist yet. However, the growing conflict between the Misratans and Zintanis has further amplified divisions between groups fighting across the country.
Western – 21 July 2014
House of Representatives (HoR) Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdulaziz requested that the UN Security Council dispatch experts to train Libya’s defence forces and police eliciting condemnation from some for appearing to invite foreign forces into the conflict.
Other – 21 July 2014
Tripoli continues to be gripped by violence as the battle between Zintani-led brigades and those from Misrata rages on. The area surrounding the Tripoli International Airport (TIA) has become a battle zone, while fighting has been reported in several Tripoli neighbourhoods, as well as in front of the Interior Ministry.
Anti – 21 July 2014
This week saw an attack against an Egyptian military post near the border with Libya and Sudan. The attack killed 21 Egyptian border guards and destroyed a weapons storage facility.
Action – 14 July 2014
The effects of ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi’s declaration of an Islamic caliphate in Iraq are already being felt in Libya. The leader of the Abu Mahjan Al-Ta’ifi Brigade, which refers to itself as ‘Al-Qa’ida in Libya’, has openly declared the group’s support for Baghdadi and sent 50 men, including fighters, doctors, and engineers, to Iraq to support ISIS.
Western – 14 July 2014
United Kingdom Special Envoy to Libya Jonathan Powell, along with his US and UN counterparts, are devising a new strategy to mediate between Libya’s warring factions. HoR Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni had a meeting with EU, UK, US, and UN ambassadors and envoys, during which he accused Westerners of destroying the Libyan military, while also requesting peacekeeping forces to protect Libyan government institutions.
Other – 14 June 2014
The long expected showdown between Misratan and Zintani forces in Tripoli appears to have kicked off with control of Tripoli International Airport a key point of contention. The Foreign Ministry remains under siege and bank robberies continue.