A number of incidents in Misrata and Tripoli have increased tensions within Misratan ranks, with a key Misratan cleric being abducted and tortured last week, while clashes broke out again in Tripoli.

Haftar and the LNA attempt to exert their influence in western Libya, announcing that a new offensive to take Tripoli is ‘imminent’ and mobilising LNA forces south of Zawiyya.

The LNA defeated a counter-attack on the oil crescent launched from Jufra by allied forces including Jadhran loyalists, BDB fighters and some GNA forces. The attacking convoy was routed and the LNA even extended its control south of Jufra, all the way to Brak al-Shati. In Tripoli, tensions are high as anti-GNA Misratan forces mobilize to support the anti-GNA Islamist coalition, while protests took place after a video of militiamen raping a woman was released.

Clashes in Libya indicate that the GNA is unable to control its own capital, further weakening its support in western Libya and hence its negotiating position. However, the declaration of BM forces’ victory against ISIS in Sirte could give the GNA a temporary boost in popularity given BM is nominally controlled by the GNA.