In Sirte, Misratan forces continue to battle ISIS fighters who remain barricaded in their stronghold in north-eastern Sirte. The Misratans suffered heavy losses last week after a renewed push to take the ISIS-held area, while ISIS fighters also launched a surprise attack against Sirte port.
A wide range of international and regional actors last week reiterated their support for the Libyan Political Agreement, called for de-escalation of the situation and welcomed the resumption of oil exports. U.S. AFRICOM also reported that the US has carried out 169 airstrikes to date in Sirte.
Fighting between LNA forces and jihadist groups continued last week in Benghazi and Derna, with little tangible progress taking place. The Benghazi Defence Brigades have been accused of launching airstrikes against LNA forces in the southern town of Jufra, which killed several civilians.
Political tensions and rifts between hardline pro and anti LNA factions are growing after Haftar’s seizure of the oil crescent ports. The High Council of State last week declared it was taking legislative power from the HoR due to its support for Haftar and his military takeover, although this statement has been widely rejected by local and international actors.