On 4 December, preparations took place for the Commander of the Libyan National Army, Khalifa Haftar, to arrive the following day in Ajdabiya...
Results for "Ajdabiya"
14 – 20 Aug: Suspected ISIS recruiter arrested in Ajdabiya
On 18 August, the Internal Security Agency in Ajdabiya arrested suspected terrorist Issa al-Shaghri (aka Issa Kaba) upon his return to the city to allegedly plan terror operations.
3 April – 9 April: Founding member of Ajdabiya Revolutionaries Shura Council suspect of participating in Tripoli clashes
On 9 April, unconfirmed reports suggest Abrek Maazak is participating in the clashes in Tripoli. Maazak is a founding member of Ajdabiya Revolutionaries Shura Council, an Islamist brigade formerly linked with Ansar Al-Sharia and the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council.
7 November – 13 November: Two connected to the Ajdabiya Revolutionaries Shura Council arrested
On 10 November, Misrata local security forces arrested two individuals connected to the Ajdabiya Revolutionaries Shura Council. On 4 November, the Anti-ISIS Operations Room claimed to have arrested a member of the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council.
12 September – 18 September: LNA arrest two suspected terrorists in Ajdabiya
Libyan National Army’s RADA Central Deterrent Forces arrested two suspected terrorists in Ajdabiya. On 14 September, a terrorist attack was reported to have occurred targeting the Zliten Security Directorate.
30 May – 5 June: ISIS attack al-Qanan police station south-east of Ajdabiya
On 2 June, ISIS fighters attacked a police station in al-Qanan, 10km south-east of Ajdabiya, killing a civilian and injuring another five. No police were injured or killed despite two police cars being set aflame. The casualties were allegedly a family in a car passing by the raid. A go-pro camera recovered at the scene by the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) 21 Infantry Brigade has shown that the raid involved 8-9 fighters.
28 Mar – 3 Apr: ISIS SVBIED attack on the southern entrance to Ajdabiya while the PC launch new anti-ISIS military operation
On 29 March, ISIS undertook a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack on the southern entrance to Ajdabiya killing 5 people, wounding 6 and damaging at least 6 vehicles. On 2 April, Presidential Council (PC) spokesperson Mohammed al-Sallack announced the launch of a new military operation dubbed Asifat al-Wattan (The Nation’s Storm) with the aim of ending ISIS’s militant presence in Libya.
7 – 13 Mar: ISIS members killed in Derna and claim attack near Ajdabiya
On 11 March, the LNA spokesperson announced that its Sirte Operations Room had killed three ISIS leaders fleeing Derna. On 8 March, a SVBIED attacked a LNA checkpoint south east of Ajdabiya. Two Sudanese civilians and one LNA fighter were reportedly wounded.
24-31 October: ISIS Claims 25 Oct. Attack on LNA Checkpoint Near Ajdabiya
The ISIS Amaq news agency claimed responsibility for the 25 October, attack on the ‘Tisan’ checkpoint south of Ajdabiya, which killed at least 3 LNA fighters and left another two injured. Survivors report that the assailants arrived in 7 vehicles and set the entire checkpoint on fire after seizing the LNA’s firearms. It was reported that on 29 October, ISIS fighters established a temporary checkpoint on the coastal highway 20km east of Sirte. The area in question is considered to be under the control of al-Bunyan al-Marsus (BM) forces aligned with the GNA.
GNU Ministers of Interior and Justice express concern over securing elections
On 1 December, the Government of National Unity (GNU) Minister of Interior Khaled Mazen and the Minister of Justice Halima Abdurrahman released a...
Mohammed al-Kani killed in Benghazi
On 27 July, local Libyan media reported that the commander of the LNA-aligned 9th Brigade (also known as the Kaniyat militia) Mohammed al-Kani was...
Leadership
Leadership and Structure The Islamic State in Libya’s organizational structure appears to have changed from three separate wilayat (provinces...
Publications
PublicationsTerrorist and Armed Groups in the Fezzan-Sahel Region: Recruitment and Communication Tactics January 2021 In Terrorist and Armed Groups...
29 July – 4 August: Journalist convicted on vague terrorism charges
On 31 July, a military court in Ajdabiya sentenced Ismail Bouzreeba al-Zway, a local photojournalist, to 15 years in prison on charges related to Islamist ‘terrorism.’
10 July – 16 July: ISIS release eulogy for its media officer in Libya
On 11 July, ISIS released its al-Naba newsletter no 190, which featured a eulogy for ISIS Libya’s media officer. On 9 July, the Shahat CID arrested a suspected ISIS member, Ayoub Salah Abdul Aziz al-Alsoinai. On 9 July, the commander of the PFG denied reports that there was an attack by ISIS at the gate of Zilla oilfield.
26 June – 2 July: Turkey threatens LNA as “legitimate target” following the arrest of six Turkish nationals
On 28 June, the LNA banned all commercial flights from Libya to Turkey. On 29 June, the Turkish Foreign Ministry demanded the release of six Turkish citizens by the LNA “otherwise the elements of Haftar will become a legitimate target.” On 29 June, the US State and Defence Departments opened an investigation to look into how American-made weapons had found their way to Libya.
15 August – 21 August: Senior Benghazi Defence Brigade figure killed in raid
On 18 August, Abdulkader Jumaa Abdul-Hadi Afnish Al-Zwai, a senior leader and founding member of the Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB) and the AROR, died following a raid on his home in Misrata.
15 August – 21 August: LNA mobilized forces to Oil Crescent and declare state of emergency
On 15 August, the LNA mobilized its forces to the Oil Crescent and declared a state of emergency in the region following reports of Ibrahim Jadhran allied militias traversing to the Wadi Zamzam area.
8 August – 14 August: LNA launch airstrikes on Benghazi Defence Brigade forces
On 13 August, the Libyan National Army’s 101 Infantry Brigade clashed with Derna Protection Forces remnants near Gate 200 on the Tubruk-Ajdabiya highway. On 11 August, the Libyan National Army conducted airstrikes from its al-Jufra airbase targeting Benghazi Defence Brigade (BDB) forces located near al-Saddadah.
25 July – 31 July: Additional details of ISIS attack on Uqaylah police station emerge
On 28 July, several vehicles belonging to ISIS fighters were observed south of Uqaylah moving to the 103 line towards the Kufra and Jalu region. Additional details have emerged surround ISIS’s attack on the police station in Uqaylah in Eastern Libya on July 24.
13 June – 19 June: Ansar al-Sharia commander Safian bin Kamou captured in Derna
On 16 June, the Libyan National Army (LNA) claimed to have captured al-Qaeda linked Ansar al-Sharia commander Safian bin Kamou during a raid in northern Derna. On 14 June, two senior leaders of the Benghazi Defence Brigade (BDB), Ahmad al-Tajouri and Faraj Shaku, were allegedly killed by airstrikes as they moved from Bani Walid to the Oil Crescent.
13 June – 19 June: Ibrahim Jadhran attacks and takes control of Sidra and Ras Lanuf oil ports
On 14 June, forces under the command of Ibrahim Jadhran attacked and took control of Sidra and Ras Lanuf oil ports from Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) forces. Large LNA units are currently being deployed to Brega and Ajdabiya for the counter offensive.
23 May – 29 May: ISIS claim responsibility for attacks in Oil Crescent
On 23 May, ISIS claimed responsibility for the two attacks that occurred in the Oil Crescent on May 22 – a suicide vehicle-borne improved explosive device (SVBIED) targeted the Libyan National Army (LNA) 152 Brigade Gate 60, south east of Ajdabiya, while gunmen attacked an LNA checkpoint north of Awjilah kidnapping two guards.
4 Apr – 10 Apr: LNA arrest ISIS member preparing attack on Zueitina
On 7 April, local Libyan National Army (LNA) affiliated security apprehended a suspected ISIS member who was allegedly preparing to conduct an attack against LNA forces in the coastal town of Zueitina.
21 – 27 Mar: LNA acts to disperse or disband Salafist militia units in eastern Libya
On 24 March, the LNA aligned Salafist ‘Arrest and Investigation Units’ of Benghazi and Ajdabiya were disbanded with their respective members re-integrated into the Internal Security Organisations in their respective cities. On 23 March, the Tarik Ben Zeyad brigade, who are one of the two most powerful Salafist brigades aligned to the LNA, deployed to southern Libya.
14 – 20 Mar: Libyan news outlet suggests ISIS intends to take over a specific town in the Oil Crescent
On 13 March, a Libyan news outlet published an article suggesting that ISIS intends to take control over a specific Oil Crescent town. The article alleged that it had been following several members online through social media.
14 – 20 Feb: LNA offensive against the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council in Derna appears imminent.
An LNA offensive against the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC), which controls Derna, appears imminent. The LNA continues to deploy large ground forces to Derna from Benghazi, Ajdabiya and other areas to prepare for the assault. Haftar dismissed Wanis Bukhamada as head of the Benghazi JSFOR, replacing him with Abdurrazaq al-Nadhouri.
31 Jan – 6 Feb: GNA-aligned Misratan forces prevent Tawerghan IDPs from returning home.
On 1 February, members of the mostly Misratan-staffed Central Region Zone intercepted a convoy of Tawerghan IDPs travelling from Ajdabiya near Bin Jawwad and prevented them from travelling any further west towards their hometown. The incident has received local and international condemnation given an ‘agreement’ was signed ensuring the IDPs could return to their hometown from 1 February.
29 Nov -5 Dec: Salame Meets Haftar in Cairo
On 3 December, UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame met with Khalifa Haftar in Cairo where he said they discussed the importance of elections for Libya’s future. The two men also discussed efforts to combat terrorism, the current economic crisis, and the recent Cairo meetings between Libyan National Army (LNA) officials and their counterparts from […]
17-24 October: LNA alleges that Qatar is funneling ISIS fighters to the south of Libya
Sources from the LNA allegedly told UAE based news outlet, Alittihad, that Qatar is transferring ISIS militants to Libya, after major losses in Iraq and Syria. In Misrata the crackdown on Islamist hardliners and suspected ISIS collaborators continues, last week 13 people were arrested connection with terrorism. On October 19, the LNA allegedly arrested a former ISIS member, Anis Bujeela al-Awami, who was hiding in Derna.
11-17 October: Misratan security forces arrest two senior BDB leaders on links to terrorist groups
In the wake of the ISIS attack in Mirata earlier this month, on 11 October, clashes broke out between hard-line fighters affiliated with Islamist factions and Misratan security forces, during a security operation in al-Sakt area south of Misrata city. Thirteen people were arrested, including two senior leaders of the BDD. In Washington D.C., Ahmed Abu Khattala is currently on trial for his alleged involvement in the September 2012 attack on the US Special Mission in Benghazi that killed 4 Americans.
20-26 Sept: AS ‘Confession’ Video Sparks Retaliation Attacks
On 17 September, the LNA broadcast the televised ‘confessions’ of Ibrahim Muftah Abu Nuwwara, an imprisoned Ansar al-Sharia fighter from Ajdabiya, in which he confessed to ordering assassinations in Ajdabiya. This sparked reprisals with the houses of those involved, namely the Jadhran and Abu Nuwwara families, being burned down.
5-12 September: LNA and BM reinforce Oil Crescent region against ISIS resurgence
On 10 September, the commander of the LNA’s Sirte Operation Room declared that the entire coastal strip from Sidra to about 50km east of Sirte. On 8 September, the LNA reportedly defused a bomb attached to the main gas pipeline south of Ajdabiya. BM forces are positioned at the 30km checkpoint east of Sirte, and it is reported that BM arrested two people in a raid last week, fueling tensions with the local population.
August 22-29: Usama Jadhran Arrested in Misrata
On 27 August, Serraj met with Sudanese president Bashir and they agreed to cooperate on security issues with a particular emphasis on fighting terrorism and border security. Misratan security forces arrested Usama Jadhran in Misrata for his alleged membership of Ansar al-Sharia and connections with ISIS.
3 – 9 May: ISIS Kills Misratan Fighters in Jufra
On 7 May, ISIS claimed responsibility for an ambush of GNA-affiliated Misratan Third Force fighters 100km south-west of Sirte. In Benghazi, the LNA published the execution video of an Algerian ISIS fighter captured in Sabri.
Apr 18-25 ISIS leader killed in Sabratha
On 23 April, Abdullah Dabbashi, a Libyan ISIS leader was reportedly killed in Sabratha while in Benghazi, the LNA claimed that ISIS fighter Mohammed al-Moghrabi had not been executed as thought.
Islamist Benghazi Defence Brigades Seize Oil Crescent Ports
The Islamist Benghazi Defence Brigades launched a surprise attack against the LNA in the oil crescent last week, pushing the LNA back to Brega and taking control of two oil ports. The LNA has accused the PC of working with BDB and other jihadists to mastermind the attack.
Feb 22 – 28: ISIS Fighter Executed by LNA-Aligned Salafi Group
On 24 February, an LNA-aligned Salafi group called Tariq Ibn Ziyad Brigade released a video showing the execution of Mohamed Mustafa al-Mugharbi (aka Randa al-Abed), a high-profile fighter for ISIS in Benghazi.
15 – 21 Feb: Senior Ansar al-Sharia Fighter Killed in Ganfuda
Huthayfa al-Faqout, a senior Ansar al-Sharia fighter, was reported killed in fighting in Ganfuda last week while the DMSC issued a statement congratulating defecting LNA officers for their recent denunciation of Haftar.
Jihadi Fighters Attempt to Flee LNA Siege in Benghazi
On 5 January, a group of jihadi fighters including ISIS, AS and BRSC militants attempted a coordinated breakout from the Sabri and Ganfuda areas in Benghazi, which are currently besieged by LNA forces. LNA fighters captured a number of key AS and BRSC figures.
Suicide Attacks in Benghazi, BDB Camp Stormed in Misrata
BRSC and ISIS suicide bombers attacked LNA fighters in Benghazi last week, even as gains were made in Ganfuda, and a video was found showing links between the Ansar al-Sharia groups in Libya and Tunisia. In Misrata, BM forces attacked BDB forces who had retreated to a camp in the city while LNA forces killed a high profile BDB commander during airstrikes in Jufra.
Anti 4 Oct 16
Haftar and the LNA continue to consolidate power in eastern Libyan through the militarization of governance in the region, while internecine tensions within Tripoli and Misrata are growing.
Anti 5 Sept 16
The political process in Libya is headed towards a new stage of dysfunction. The Presidential Council (PC) has not yet agreed a new ministerial list for the Government of National Accord (GNA), and fresh divisions are emerging within the House of Representatives (HoR).
Anti — 18 July 2016
The Misratan-led Bunyan Marsus anti-ISIS campaign in Sirte suffered setbacks on 15 July when at least 20 men were killed in multiple suicide attacks by ISIS militants… Security threats in the oil crescent are dramatically increasing, with higher prospects of a larger conflict in the short-medium term. On 17 July, fighting broke out between Libyan National Army (LNA) units, supported by local volunteers, and Benghazi Defense Brigade (BDB) in the town of Magrun, only 70 kilometers southwest of Benghazi… The BDB’s momentum is intensifying rifts in the region, especially between the LNA and the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) commanded by Ibrahim Jadhran.
Other — 11 July 2016
Battles intensified on 6-8 July as jihadists conducted a surprise counterattack against the LNA on the evening of Eid in Ganfuda. The jihadists’ fierce resistance may demonstrate their desperation, but it casts doubts on LNA pronouncements that the jihadists had been neutralized. At the same time, there has been an escalation of conflict between the LNA and the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC). A three-week ceasefire was breached when the LNA conducted airstrikes on alleged DMSC targets in and around the Derna port on 9 July.
Anti — 4 July 2016
Three key developments were identified last week: 1) The unabated momentum of the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) Bunyan Marsus coalition against ISIS in Sirte, 2) the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) surge eradicated the remaining pockets of jihadi fighters in southwestern Benghazi and 3) and the influence of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) in the oil crescent has taken a significant hit.
Other — 4 July 2016
A high-level political attempt at rapprochement in Derna culminated in a declared ceasefire last week. Nonetheless, Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) militants assassinated three Libyan National Army (LNA) security officers on 1 July, serving to scuttle previous progress. Meanwhile, an IED that killed two LNA security officers in a busy Benghazi street on 2 July, indicates that militants are likely to resort once more to assassinations and suicide bombings, if they continue to lose ground. The DMSC is also supporting renegade Islamist militias in Ajdabiya and Benghazi, a practice that has escalated tensions and made reconciliation between non-ISIS jihadis and the LNA even less likely.
Anti — 27 June 2016
In the coming weeks, Libya’s oil crescent is likely to witness increased tension between three actors: the Libyan National Army (LNA), the Government of National Accord-aligned Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG), and renegade Islamist militias… The reversal of military momentum once more in favour of the LNA, coupled with the Islamist subversion of the GNA’s anti-ISIS, efforts is bolstering the political position of Haftar and anti-GNA factions… After several Islamist militias broke away from the GNA’s Bunyan Marsus coalition and attacked Ajdabiya on 18 June, the GNA’s political position in the oil crescent was severely compromised, and with it the standing of PFG forces loyal to Ibrahim Jadhran… Meanwhile, the GNA is still holed up in Abu Setta naval base, while other militias affiliated to Islamist forces have a freer hand in the Tripoli.
Other — 27 June 2016
The Libyan National Army (LNA) made significant gains in Benghazi last week, after a blitz offensive took the district of Garyounis, including the tourist village at Ganfuda, from remnants of ISIS and the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council on 22 June… Conflict between the LNA and the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) did not escalate last week. An LNA spokesperson stated that a two-week truce was initiated to enable a peaceful resolution between both parties. Meanwhile, the DMSC is supporting renegade Islamist militias planning to attack Ajdabiya and Benghazi that have the potential to re-escalate conflict.
Anti — 20 June 2016
The political damage to the Government of National Accord (GNA), following the attack on Ajdabiya on 18 June by Islamist militias, may undo fragile militia alliances in Tripoli and key towns in western Libya. Meanwhile, an escalation of open conflict between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and Islamist militias from western Libya is now very likely, and could potentially spill over into a broader tribal/regional conflict involving the LNA and the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG).
Other — 20 June 2016
Two key types of non-state actors may now be identified vis-a-vis theLibyan National Army (LNA): The first group is comprised of Islamist actors in the cities of Benghazi, Derna and Ajdabiya, (including ISIS, Ansar Al Sharia, Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council, Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council, Benghazi Defense Brigade and the Ajdabiya Liberation Operation Room. The second group consists of militias that were once aligned with Khalifa Haftar, who have opted to support the Government of National Accord instead. Conflict is likely to continue unabated in Benghazi between the LNA and these groups, and may escalate further in Derna and Ajdabiya in the short term.
Anti — 13 June 2016
As militias nominally aligned with the Government of National Accord (GNA) made highly impressive gains against ISIS in Sirte last week, and a degree of euphoria has gripped international actors and some GNA supporters, these gains have not automatically led to authentic political unity among Libya’s major anti-ISIS factions. To the contrary, prospects for unity and strengthened political legitimacy for the GNA are lower, and the likelihood of renewed civil conflict higher, due to three factors identified this week.
Other — 13 June 2016
Over the last week, there has been increasing conflict between jihadi actors and the Libyan National Army (LNA) in eastern Libya. The LNA offensive in Benghazi continues to face fierce resistance from ISIS militants, Ansar Al Sharia (AAS) fighters and the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council (BRSC) fighters in Sabri and Souq Al-Hout. Meanwhile, LNA airstrikes on Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) targets have inspired local hostility.
Anti — 6 June 2016
The Government of National Accord’s (GNA) establishment of the Adjabiya-Sirte operations room to coordinate the anti-ISIS campaign from the east, and de-facto reinstatement of Ibrahim Jadhran as head of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) in the central region, in tandem with the PFG attack on ISIS in Libya’s oil crescent, signals that a deal has been made between the GNA and local actors in the oil crescent that circumvents Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA). While this dynamic effectively puts the GNA in a firm position to negotiate workable, yet temporary, alliances with rival militias to focus on the fight against ISIS, it threatens to expose the GNA to hijacking by groups that are not under its direct control, and who have no other overlapping interests than the defeat of ISIS in Sirte.
Other — 6 June 2016
On 1 June, a group composed of hardline Islamist revolutionaries from Benghazi and Ajdabiya issued a televised statement, aired by former Libya Dawn mouthpiece Al-Nabaa, declaring the establishment of the “Benghazi Defense Corps” (BDC)… The BDC said it would begin a new phase of operations to ‘defend’ Benghazi from the Libyan National Army (LNA), and pledged full solidarity with the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council.
Anti — 16 May 2016
In eastern Libya, the Libyan National Army (LNA) is preparing for a new offensive against the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) and other jihadists belonging to Al Qaeda and Ansar Al Sharia (AAS). On 11 May, LNA spokesperson Ahmed El Mesmari held a press conference in Benghazi to outline the LNA’s progress in Derna. He […]
5 May 2016 Other Jihadi Actors
Non-State actors in Benghazi continue to battle with LNA forces in Benghazi, although they have now been pushed and cornered to a limited are of twenty five squared km of land in Guwarsha and Ganfuda, according to the LNA spokesperson on 3 May. Ansar Al Sharia and Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council (BRSC) media arms continue […]
Anti — 27 April 2016
The sudden ISIS withdrawal from Derna on 20 April, and the lack of combat between ISIS convoys and LNA, has revived suspicions among Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) supporters that the LNA and ISIS are collaborating. Furthermore, the civilian casualties resulting from five consecutive days of LNA airstrikes against DMSC positions in Derna have enflamed […]
Other — 5 April 2016
Fighting between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and coalition of jihadist militias continued in southwest Benghazi. The LNA escalated its aerial blockade of the city and its nearby waters, due to a rise in supply vessels to jihadist militias. The LNA reported the destruction of six fishing boats off Benghazi’s southern coast on 1 April. […]
Anti — 5 April 2016
The UN-mediated Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord (GNA) arrived at the naval base in Tripoli on 30 March aboard a Libyan Navy boat sailing from Tunisia. Commanders of the Libyan Navy helped secure the safe entry and protection of the Presidency Council on the base. However, the regularised local militias in Souq […]
Action — 29 March 2016
ISIS is consolidating its grip on Sirte and the surrounding regions, while executions of members of the large local tribes Furnaj and Gadadafa have continued. ISIS reportedly executed three Libyan National Army soldiers in Sirte on 25 March after they were kidnapped in their hometown of Ajdabiya, while on leave from Benghazi. Another man was […]
Action — 15 March 2016
Sirte On 14 March, ISIS published a video titled ‘Messages to Benghazi’. ISIS filmed the execution of 2 Libyan National Army (LNA) soldiers, while issuing threats against Haftar loyalists in Derna and Benghazi and pledging support for jihadists fighting them. In the 21st weekly issue of the ISIS official magazine, Al Naba, the group published […]
Action — 8 March 2016
As ISIS loses key personnel and territory in its battles with local fighters in Benghazi and Sabratha, the group is being forced to expedite its plans of establishing an emirate in Southern Tunisia. Developments over the course of the last two weeks indicate that ISIS has yet to find a hospitable environment in Libya, especially […]
Other — 8 March 2016
Since the beginning of 2016, coinciding with the new ISIS campaign against Libyan Oil Crescent ports and the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) latest surge against ISIS-linked militias in Benghazi, the significance of other non-state actors has diminished. The LNA’s advance in Benghazi last week against ISIS, the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council (BRSC) and Ansar Al Sharia […]
Anti — 2 March 2016
Eastern Libya The LNA’s ‘Operation Martyr’s Blood’ has had almost unprecedented success. The breakthrough was facilitated by capturing camps 36 & 319 on 21 February. These camps changed hands at least twice in two months. The last time the LNA was able to make such progress in eastern Benghazi, it was quickly stalled and lost […]
Other — 17 February 2016
A MiG-23 fighter belonging to the LNA was shot down 12 February as it bombed positions of the Mujahedeen Shura Council in Garyunes, northwest of Benghazi…Ansar Al Sharia also issued a statement after conducting an attack on five LNA posts on the western battlefront of Benghazi, publishing photographs of looted vehicles and weapons, abandoned by the retreating LNA units.
Anti — 9 Feb 2016
Ibrahim Beit al-Mal, the head of the Misrata Military Council (MMC), the local umbrella of all Misratan militias, unveiled preparations to liberate Sirte from ISIS on 6 February… Meanwhile, al-Mal accused the GNC of insincerity, saying the GNC is not serious about fighting ISIS.
Anti – Feb 3
Derna The DMSC announced the capture of a cell of 12 ISIS fighters in Derna last week. However, the DMSC, which is leading the combat efforts of city residents in a nominal alliance with LNA units, is reportedly beginning to show signs of discord within its ranks, due to the alleged sympathy of some members […]
Other – Jan 27 2016
Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) The DMSC issued a new statement after Hijazi’s remarks against Haftar, re-denouncing Operation Dignity, the coalition of militias and fighters associated with Haftar’s LNA, and reaffirming their position against it. The DMSC also dismissed Hijazi’s comments ‘equating ISIS with its sisters’ (which is seen as a reference to the jihadi […]
Anti – Jan 27 2016
The recent controversy surrounding Haftar, combined with international media reports of an imminent western intervention, is threatening to weaken and complicate local anti-ISIS coalitions, in both Eastern and Western regions of Libya. In Eastern Libya, a number of tribes, including the Magherba and Drissi tribes (Hijazi’s tribe), are beginning to question the structure and leadership […]
other – jan 19 2016
Derna Battles between local jihadists forces controlling the city, e.g. the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) and IS are ongoing. The city is witnessing a heightened sense of alarm after more ISIS incursions were registered inside the western parts of the city. Clashes are intermittent in the southern hills of the Al Fatieh area and […]
Action–12 Jan 2016
The Assault on the Oil Crescent – ‘The Battle of Abu Al Mughira’ The 3 day ISIS assault on oil crescent ports last week was successfully thwarted by the Petroleum Facilities Guard forces (PFG) and local volunteers. Nine PFG forces and around 30 IS members were killed in these clashes which destroyed over a billion […]
Other–12 Jan 2016
Fighting continues uninterrupted in Ajdabiya between the ARSC militants and Haftar’s LNA forces, although it does not appear as if either side has made significant progress. LNA aircraft continued airstrikes in Ajdabiya, specifically targeting the ‘60’ Gate and the ‘industrial complex’. Earlier in the Week, ARSC issued a statement declaring that this entire area is now […]
Anti–12 Jan 2016
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, which have the potential of fragmenting unity against ISIS, fuelling its recruitment and expansion. In […]
Action — 5 Jan 2016
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 the airfield strip. The new ISIS offensive seems to […]
Other — 5 Jan 2016
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 that the group photographed with a black IS banner […]
Anti — 5 Jan 2016
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… After the HoR-affiliated, Federalist-dominated PFG successfully pushed ISIS out of Sidra on Monday, the head of the force, Ibrahim Jadhran, issued a heated statement attacking Haftar, saying that he is the other side of the ISIS coin, implicitly accusing him of destabilizing Ajdabiya via the latest LNA offensive against local Islamist militias in the city.
Other — 29 Dec 2016
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…. The local council of Sabratha issued a strong statement rejecting sensational claims made by a new Libyan satellite TV channel (218) that ISIS is in ‘‘control’’ of its city.
Other — 22 Dec 2015
Clashes broke out in Ajdabiya on 15 December after LNA units, headed by Ltn. Mohammed Daooud Al Gabsi of border guard brigade, and Ltn. Mohammed Ebsit, deputy commander of the Ajdabiya operations room, began manhunts for members of the Ajdabiya Revolutionary Shura Council (ARSC) in the city, allegedly affiliated with Ansar Al Sharia. … In Benghazi, The Revolutionary Shura Council (BRSC) published some photos, showing an IED exploding against LNA soldiers in the district of Bu-Atni.
Anti — 22 Dec 2015
In Sabratha, after the latest explosion destroying the old intelligence building in the city, the council issued a strong statement and began taking urgent steps to mitigate the threat, implementing a state of emergency throughout the city, establishing a joint operations room, setting up barricades and checkpoints and beginning a registration of all foreigners throughout the city…. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE A PHOTO COLLAGE OF ISLAMIC STATE ACTIONS AND VISUAL MATERIAL FROM THE PAST WEEK, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS SAFE ZIPFILE.
Other — 15 Dec 2015
In Sabratha, the short-lived emergence of an Islamist militia, mistakenly referred to by the international media as ISIS, and their temporary manning of checkpoints on the main road in the city, led to a temporary closure of schools and public administrations.
Action — 7 Dec 2015
In Tripoli, pro-GNC militias captured an alleged member of ISIS last week. The captive, a Tunisian, detailed ISIS activities throughout Libya, implicating Murad Al-Gumati, leading to his murder by the Tripoli Rada militia (AKA special deterrence forces or – قوة الردع الخاصة). The incident follows on last week’s assault on an official of the religious affairs ministry who was accused of having ISIS affiliations. Although the Rada enjoys popularity in the capital as a keeper of law and order (such as these concepts are understood in Libya) the Salafist affiliation of Rada’s commander, Abdulraouf Kara, may have encouraged him to provoke a “black-on-black” fight between Islamist militias that are pro and anti-ISIS.
Action – 23 November 2015
IS assassinated two more security officers Ajdabiya, bringing the number killed this month to twelve. The killings reinforce the local and tribal divisions in the Oil Crescent and threaten serious regional instability.
Other – 23 November 2015
The Ajdabiya Revolutionaries’ Shoura Council controls significant territory and poses a threat to the LNA.
Anti – 23 November 2015
The wave of assassinations in Ajdabiya is stoking tensions between the Libyan National Army and other factions there.
Action – 2 November 2015
ISIS continues to find ways to get supplies into Benghazi. ISIS assassinations od Salafi imams in Ajdabiya continue.
Other – 26 October 2015
Demonstrators in Benghazi were killed by mortar fire. The alliance of convenience between the Libyan National Army and the Derna Mujahideen Shura Council continues to hold. Extremists maintain complicated relationships in Sabratha and Ajdabiya.
Action – 19 October 2015
Islamic State assassinated three men in Ajdabiya and executed men in Sirte and from Derna.
Anti – 28 September 2015
Intense fighting in Benghazi and tension within and between factions in Derna and the oil crescent.
ISIS in Action 3 June 2014
Even before the Tubruq/Tripoli split and the rise of ISIS, Libya’s politics had ossified into a confrontation between two loose umbrella groupings, with each containing different militias as well as local and national political actors: the Islamist bloc which holds power in the GNC and their anti-Islamist opponents who have held the power in the executive from November 2012 until May 2014.
Anti-ISIS Coalition 3 June 2014
Haftar’s offensive in Benghazi targets Islamists militias such as Feb17 brigade, Rafallah al-Sahati brigade, and Ansar al-Sharia militias. These militias are mainly based on the western side of Benghazi near the main building of Benghazi University in the Gar Younis and al-Laithi areas. Haftar used ground forces to take on these militias, and it was […]