The international community continues to push ahead with plans to intervene decisively in Libya, including statements to that effect by the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff last week. Despite the obvious urgency for such international assistance to counter ISIS in Libya, the political disconnect between the UN and international missions with the Libyan context, means that the …

News reports confirmed that unidentified airstrikes targeted the port and other locations inside Sirte on 14 Janaury. It is highly likely that these strikes are conducted by international forces (France, US) but local reports (and ISIS) suggested that Libyan aircraft from Misrata were responsible. Germany’s defense minister says she does not rule out dispatching military forces to Libya, although she …

A high-level meeting was held on 12 January, which included the  Italian PM, defense, Intelligence and security ministers, including Italian special forces where Libya was the key agenda item. The meeting may be related to the flash incident in Mellitah complex on 12 January, where gunfire at the complex entrance forced a quick evacuation of foreign staff. It is more …

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 international community first needs the Government of National Accord (GNA) to constitute itself in …