by Jason | Jan 12, 2016 | Libyan actors
Local political conflicts in Libya are slowly transforming from a web of tribal and local militia conflicts, into a more binary conflict between local allies and ISIS. However, the consolidation of these alliances continue to be inhibited by deep political divisions,...
by Jason | Jan 5, 2016 | ISIS
The ISIS campaign to advance from Sirte to the ports in the oil crescent region has entered full swing with the 4 January attack on Sidra terminal. The attackers used two suicide trucks (VBIED’s), one destroying the main checkpoint to the terminal and the other in...
by Jason | Jan 5, 2016 | International actors
Although ISIS do not control any oil ports yet, new reports suggest that British SAS Special Forces could be preparing to lead an international team to take back control of any oil fields which would fall under ISIS control. At present this seems infeasible, as the...
by Jason | Jan 5, 2016 | Other Jihadi Actors
In Ajdabiya, a statement published by the Ajdabiya Revolutionaries’ Shoura Council (ARSC) on 2 Jan denied that it has defected to IS, after its emir and a dozen of its members published a video last week pledging allegiance to the group last week. The statement said...
by Jason | Jan 5, 2016 | Libyan actors
The ongoing IS attack on Sidra, while representing a grave local and international threat, also represents an important opportunity for the formation of a genuinely Libyan Anti-ISIS coalition. Despite their political differences, a range of social groups could be...
by Jason | Dec 29, 2015 | ISIS
Sirte ISIS continues to control Sirte, increasing its restrictions on civilians over the course of Christmas week. ISIS told residents that anyone caught celebrating Libya’s independence day, Christmas or New Year’s Eve would be punished. Last week, a young local who...
by Jason | Dec 29, 2015 | International actors
After the unanimous UN Security Council resolution of 23 Dec enshrining a new Government of National Accord (GNA) for Libya, Western governments are reportedly expediting plans to support the GNA in combating ISIS. Ibrahim Dabbashi, Libyan ambassador to the UN, told...
by Jason | Dec 29, 2015 | Other Jihadi Actors
Misrata The threat of ISIS in Misrata been bolstered after reports of a local group calling itself ‘Mujahedeen Misrata’, announced loyalty or ‘Baya’ to the international group in an audio message. Although the message itself was removed from the internet, the group...
by Jason | Dec 29, 2015 | Libyan actors
One of the biggest challenges facing the new GNA is its ability to galvanize fragmented Libyan political factions and militias to participate in the fight against ISIS. As it stands now, this change of approach depends on the ability of the GNA to form a united Libyan...
by Jason | Dec 22, 2015 | ISIS
Using Videos from Sirte for Dawa The Islamic State continues to control Sirte, ineluctably strengthening its grip on the coastal city over time as no coherent forces oppose it. As no forces are opposing its consolidation and expansion, it is quite likely to overflow...
