On 6 September, the Libyan National Army (LNA) deployed additional troops (about 120 men) to Sirte, probably from the 20/20 Brigade of the Tariq Bin...
Results for "Sebha"
Haftar threatens uprising as LNA holds military parade in Sebha
On 17 October, the Libyan National Army (LNA) conducted a large-scale military parade in Sebha. The Head of the LNA, Khalifa Haftar, delivered a...
Clashes between LNA units and LNA-Aligned units in Sebha
On 14 September, clashes reportedly broke out between the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) Tariq Bin Ziyad Brigade (TBZ) and the LNA-affiliated...
Fuel tank explosion injures 17 in Sebha
In the late evening of 13 September, a fuel tank exploded in Sebha. The GNU Ministry of Health reported that 17 were injured. Witnesses reported...
LNA clashes with suspected ISIS elements in security operation, south of Sebha
On 25 April, the Libyan National Army (LNA) Military Information Division announced that it had conducted a security operation against ISIS elements...
Clashes in Sebha between LNA and GNU-aligned forces
On 13 December, clashes broke out in Sebha between the Libyan National Army (LNA)’s 115 Brigade and Tariq Bin Ziyad Brigade (TBZ) on one side, and...
LNA’s 106 Brigade conducts counterterrorism operation against cells in Sebha
On 28 November, the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) 106 Brigade reportedly conducted a security operation against terrorist elements in Sebha,...
LNA reportedly attempts to arrest Saif Qadhafi in Sebha
On 22 November, reports emerged that the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) 106 Brigade had initiated a search and arrest operation for Saif al-Islam...
Reports of ISIS-claimed attack on LNA checkpoint south of Sebha
On 27 September, ISIS reportedly claimed to have perpetrated an assault on a Libyan National Army (LNA) checkpoint south of Sebha. According to...
Tensions in Sebha between 116 Battalions and LNA
On 11 September, the Libyan National Army (LNA) issued a decree disbanding the LNA-aligned 116 Brigade under the command of Masoud Jeddi and...
ISIS VBIED suicide attack targets and kills Security Head in Sebha
On 6 June, ISIS claimed a suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack targeting a Libyan National Army (LNA) checkpoint at...
30 December- 5 January: Minor clashes occur between GNA-aligned and LNA forces in Sebha
On 29 December, the HoR-aligned government in eastern Libya temporarily appointed a new chief for the Internal Security Department, Brigadier General Muhammed Hassan Kamil al-Tarhouni. On 31 December, the GNA issued a decree allocating 1 billion LYD to its Ministry of Defence. On 3 January, armed skirmishes occurred in Sebha between the LNA and GNA-aligned forces. On 3 January, a Madkhali armed group attacked a cemetery in Surman.
9 – 15 September: LNA undertakes raid on ISIS in Sebha
On 14-15 September, the LNA undertook an overnight raid on an alleged ISIS cell in the Abd al-Kafi neighbourhood of Sebha in southern Libya.
1 May – 7 May: ISIS attack LNA camp in Sebha
On 4 May, ISIS claimed an attack against the LNA’s 160 Brigade Jabril Baba training camp in Sebha. On 25 April, the GNA MoI arrested Yasser Saleh Khalifa al-Majri for his alleged membership to ISIS. On 25 April, ISIS fighters attacked the home of a LNA supporter, Khaloukh Massoud, in Ghadduwa.
1 May – 7 May: Gunmen with alleged terrorist connections attack Sebha Medical Centre
On 7 May, four gunmen with alleged terrorist connections attacked the Sebha Medical Centre in the earlier hours of the morning. Local security forces killed two of the assailants.
30 January – 5 February: LNA arrest al-Qaeda member in Sebha
On 29 January, the LNA arrested al-Qaeda member Alamin Ali Kalfa near Sebha. On 2 February, LNA forces and the Derna Protection Force clashed in the old city area of Derna.
23 January – 29 January: LNA kill AQIM field commander in Sebha
On 27 January, the LNA claim to have killed AQIM field commander Adel Ahmad al-Abdali during a raid in the Hijarah area of Sebha. On 24 January, Anti-Terror Forces in Misrata arrested a terror suspect, Ali Amin. On 27 January, the Criminal Investigation Agency of Misrata arrested terror suspect, Zakaria Saleh al-Sheikh, in Misrata.
19 September – 25 September: Suspected al-Qaeda members attack security official in Sebha
On 21 September, suspected Al-Qaeda members launched an attack using an RPG on a senior security official in Sebha.
21 – 27 Mar: Cairo military discussions conclude, Zintan forces take control of coastal road and PC sends peace delegation to Sebha
On 20 March, the sixth round of discussions aimed at unifying Libya’s military concluded in Cairo. On 19 March, Zintan Special Forces led by Emad Trabilsi took control of the 27km checkpoint on the main Tripoli-Zawiyya coastal road. On 21 March, a so-called “Ceasefire Committee” created by the Presidential Council arrived in Sebha to negotiate peace between the clashing Awlad Sulieman and Tebu tribes.
7 – 13 Mar: Clashes continue in Sebha as LNA and GNA compete to ‘solve’ crisis in the South
On 13 March, clashes continued in Sebha between Tebu and Awlad Suliman militias. On 12 March, UN envoy Ghassan Salame met with a delegation from southern Libya in Tripoli to explore ways of resolving the violence in southern Libya. On 9 March the LNA declared that all “Africans from neighbouring countries” had to leave Libya by 17 March or they would be expelled by force.
28 Feb – 6 Mar: Clashes between Tebu and Awlad Suliman in Sebha continue
On 6 March, local sources reported clashes between Tebu and Awlad Suliman militias involving tanks in the Nasriya area of Sebha, north of the airport. Fighting between the two groups has also intensified in the Tayuri district of Sebha, an area populated with Tebu and Tuareg groups.
21 – 27 Feb: Fighting continues in Sebha and clashes breakout near Tripoli
On 26 February, Libya’s National Human Rights Commission confirmed that two civilians have been killed in clashes between Awlad Suliman’s 6th Brigade and Tebu militias in Sabha. On 21 February, a prominent militia leader from Warshefana was killed in an arrest operation in the al-Maya district west of Tripoli, leading to the coastal road being closed.
6-13 June: LNA claims arrest of ISIS member in Sebha
The LNA-affiliated 116 brigade reportedly arrested a jihadist cell, including an ISIS member, in an anti-terrorism raid in Sebha. Three members of the al-Bunyan al-Marsus 166 brigade were killed in ambush south-west of Sirte, suspected to have been carried out by ISIS fighters.
24 Apr-May 1: Haftar Aggravates Allies in Sebha, Continues Targeting Airbases in the South
On 28 April, the LNA conducted two airstrikes against a local militia camp linked to the BDB in Jufra and restarted airstrikes against the Teminhint airbase which is still held by GNA-aligned forces. LNA airstrikes in Sebha threaten Haftar’s alliance with Tebu forces.
UN report confirms IS presence in southern Libya
On 15 February, Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General at the UN Office of CounterTerrorism, alongside other senior counter-terrorism experts,...
ISIS mastermind of 2018 Tripoli attacks arrested in Tajoura
On 24 August, Government of National Unity (GNU) Prime Minister Abdul Hameed Dabaiba announced that a security operation carried out by the Special...
5+5 JMC and security actors meet in Benghazi
On 7 April, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) held a meeting in Benghazi that brought together military and security leaders from the West,...
Chadian mercenaries to leave Libya
On 22 January, a group of Chadian fighters from the Union of Forces for Democracy and Development (UFDD) - which is affiliated with the Libyan...
Mass protests spread throughout Libya calling for political change and improved living standards
On 1 July, mass unstructured protests took place throughout Libya, triggered by deteriorating living conditions and the ongoing political deadlock....
LNA forces deployed to southern Libya
On 30 June, the Libyan National Army (LNA) reportedly deployed forces to a number of cities in the South, including Sebha, Murzuq, and Awbari.
Dabaiba suspends 166 Brigade operations in al-Shuwayrif
On 21 May, the Government of National Unity (GNU) Prime Minister, Abdul Hameed Dabaiba, issued a directive to the 166 Brigade suspending their...
ISIS SVBIED attack at LNA checkpoint at Umm al-Aranib
On 19 April, ISIS conducted a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack at a Libyan National Army (LNA) Tariq Bin Ziyad...
ISIS attack on LNA camp in Umm al-Aranib
On 18 January, ISIS claimed responsibility for an IED attack on an LNA camp in Umm al-Aranib, south of Sebha, which killed one person and injured...
LNA launches military campaign to secure the south
On 13 January, the Commander of Southern Operations and Sabha Military Region Rooms, Major General al-Mabrouk Sahban, revealed that LNA forces have...
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...
LNA military deployments in southern Libya
Last week, reports surfaced that the Libya National Army (LNA) had deployed additional ground forces from Jufra to Sebha, including Sudanese...
LNA undertakes raids on aligned southern forces
On 13 October, the Libyan National Army (LNA)’s Tariq Bin Zayid (TBZ) battalion undertook an operation against LNA-aligned units stationed in...
ISIS claim responsibility for another attack in south
On 14 June, ISIS claimed responsibility for an ambush and improvised explosive devise (IED) attack that killed the commander of an Libyan National...
Archive Guide
How to use our archiveThe Libya Security Monitor (LSM) has an archive covering the most significant security incidents since June 2014. Our updates...
Leadership
Leadership and Structure The Islamic State in Libya’s organizational structure appears to have changed from three separate wilayat (provinces...
16 – 23 February: alleged assassination attempt on the GNA Minister of Interior Fathi Bashaagha
Violence occurred at celebrations to mark the 17 February 2011 uprisings in Sebha and Sirte. On 16 February, during patrols near Ghadduwah a mass grave was uncovered of individuals believed to have been killed by ISIS. On 17 February, the LNA 166 Brigade reportedly killed a member of the Sirte Criminal Investigations Department. On 21 February, there was an alleged assassination attempt on GNA MoI Fathi Bashaagha.
27 January- 02 February: ISIS kidnapping reported near Ghudduwah
On 25 January, two brothers were reportedly kidnapped near Ghuddwah in southern Sebha by suspected ISIS militants.
4 – 10 November: LPDF starts first meetings in Tunis
On 9 November, the UN-facilitated dialogue process known as the LPDF began its first meetings in Tunis. On 3 November, Acting Head of UNSMIL, Williams, said that a meeting of the JMC had led to agreements for implementing the ceasefire that had been announced on 23 October. On 4 November, GNA MoI Bashaagha arrived in Cairo to discuss security cooperation with Egyptian officials. On 5 November, representatives from the HoR and the HCS met in Morocco for a third round of talks. On 6 November, the US Ambassador to Libya, Norland, spoke with GNA Foreign Minister Siyala about the US intention to secure a property in the capital Tripoli.
30 September – 6 October: GNA capture five alleged ISIS members
On 30 September, the GNA MoD’s Joint Force captured 5 alleged ISIS members near the Tunisian border. On 1 October, the LNA spokesperson, Mismari, released additional details on the identities of the ISIS leaders killed in Sebha in mid-September.
30 September – 6 October: LNA claims to have captured terrorist cell
On 3 October, the LNA’s 116 Infantry Brigade claimed to have captured a ‘terrorist cell’.
30 September – 6 October: HoR Speaker Saleh prepares trial conference
On 3 October, HoR Speaker Saleh met with the eastern-based interim government’s MFA al-Huweij. On 30 September, the Attorney General’s Office announced that several top Libyan officials had been arrested or charged with corruption. On 29 September, the GNA’s MoD announced that it had opened enrolment. On 29 September, a district court judge in Virginia ruled that lawsuits against LNA head Haftar should go forward.
23 – 29 September: Alleged assassination attempt by ISIS
On 24 September Saleh, commander of the Khalid Bin Walid Brigade, survived an assassination attempt in the Nassriya district of Sebha. On 23 September, LNA-Spokesperson, Mismari, declared that the leader of ISIS in North Africa, Abu Abdullah al-Iraqi, was killed in the LNA raid in Sebha one-week prior.
16 – 22 September: LNA arrests ISIS member in Ghadduwah
On 21 September, the LNA claimed that it had arrested an ISIS member in the town of Ghadduwah. On 15 September, the LNA conducted a raid against an ISIS cell in Sebha. According to a press briefing by LNA spokesperson Ahmed Mismari, the raid resulted in clashes that lasted approximately 7 hours and in which 9 ISIS members were killed.
3 June – 9 June: Two potential ISIS attacks in Southern Libya
On 3 June, a man identified as a GECOL employee was killed by masked men in Taraghin in southern Libya. On 6 June, an unidentified armed group launched an attack on the LNA held Triangle Checkpoint in Sebha. Both attacks were potentially conducted by ISIS.
20 May – 26 May: ISIS claims four attacks in Libya in May
On 21 May, ISIS’s al-Naba issue no. 235 claimed responsibility for three attacks in Libya. On 25 May, ISIS claimed responsibility for a VBIED attack in Taraghin. On 24 May, LNA stated that they had arrested suspected Syrian ISIS leader, Muhamad al-Ruwaidani aka al-Baidani in Tripoli.
4 March – 10 March: Alleged ISIS member arrested
On 29 February a Sudanese doctor was arrested in Libya’s South on suspicion of being affiliated with ISIS and planning to undertake a terrorist attack. He is currently being processed by security forces, who suspect he has knowledge of other ISIS cells in the South.
29 January – 4 February 2020: LNA claims to have arrested former ISIS media official
On 26-27 January, an unidentified drone flew over Sebha through to Murzuq suspected to be pursuing ISIS-Libya members. On 27 January, the LNA’s 173 Infantry Brigade claimed ISIS fighters had fired on the LNA’s Joint Security Room of Wadi Otbah. On 30 January, the head of the media office of the LNA General Administration of the Criminal Investigation of the Army, claimed to have arrested an alleged former ISIS media official.
30 October – 5 November: LNA claims member of the DMSC is fighting among anti-LNA forces
On 2 November, the LNA claimed a member of the Derna Mujahideen Shura Council (DMSC) is fighting in Tripoli among anti-LNA forces. On 31 October, LNA units reportedly arrested a sleeper cell consisting of Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council (BRSC) members in Wadi al-Bawanis.
AFRICOM launch 4 aerial attacks in 10 days targeting ISIS in southern Libya
On 24, 27 and 29 September, AFRICOM conducted multiple airstrikes in southern Libya targeting ISIS and claimed to have killed 35 ISIS fighters. On 30 September, the LNA Khalid Ibn al-Walid Battalion clashed with ISIS fighters between Qatroun and Um al-Aranib in southern Libya.
25 September – 1 October: Unverified claims of AQIM affiliate killed in AFRICOM airstrikes
In the wake of US AFRICOM airstrikes targeting ISIS fighters in southern Libya, unverified claims circulated on social media suggesting AQIM-affiliate, Ahmed Abdul-Jaleel al-Hasnawi had also been killed in the operations.
18 – 24 September: AFRICOM drone circled over AQIM hotspot in southern Libya
Prior to a US AFRICOM airstrike targeting ISIS fighters near Murzuq on 19 September, a drone was also suspected to have flown over the Wadi Ajal and Ghat, an Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) hotspot
6 – 13 Aug: GNA and LNA agree to UN truce but violations occur
On 9 August, the GNA accepted the UN’s call for a temporary ceasefire for Eid. On 10 August, Haftar announced that his forces would also temporarily cease military operations. However, several violations of the truce occurred. On 10 August, the LNA deployed additional forces to Murzuq to engage with ‘Chadian opposition forces’.
29 May – 4 June: ISIS attacks LNA checkpoint in Fuqaha area
On 27 May, Misrata security forces undertook a raid in Abu Grein, arresting alleged ISIS supporter Faris Belhaj. On 28 May, the Misratan Central Counter-Terrorism Force arrested seven alleged ISIS members in Abu Grein. On 28 May, ISIS was observed south of Sirte. On 30 May, ISIS published a second set of “Diary of a Mujahedeen” photos. On 3 June, ISIS claimed to have attacked the LNA) Checkpoint 400 in the Fuqaha area. On 3 June, ISIS claimed responsibility for the two vehicle-borne IEDs attacks in Derna conducted on 2 June.
8 May – 14 May: ISIS conducted an attack on the town of Ghadduwa
On 9 May, ISIS conducted a daylight attack on the town of Ghadduwa. On 9 May, ISIS released its al-Naba newsletter no 181 that featured as its cover and main article the group’s 4 May attack. On 12 May, UK-based tabloid the Sunday Express reported that British military officials believe ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been hiding in Libya. On 14 May, the Sabratha Operations Room claim suspected ISIS member Safwan Abdul Majid was killed in an LNA airstrike in Zawiyya.
17 April – 23 April: ISIS publish photos and video of alleged attack on LNA
On 21 April, ISIS Fezzan Branch published a series of photos and a short video of an alleged attack on LNA forces south of Sebha. This follows the publication of ISIS Naba no. 178 on 18 April, which included details of ISIS’ assault on Ghadduwa.
10 April – 16 April: GNA-aligned forces arrest ISIS member in Tripoli
On 13 April, the GNA Ministry of Interior announce the arrest of ISIS member Anas Abrik Zouki. On 11 April, ISIS claim to have killed six LNA fighters in Ghadduwa, in south-western Libya. On 11 April, ISIS released its Naba newsletter no. 177 , which included details on the group’s recent attacks on Fuqaha and Ghadduwa.
6 March – 12 March: LNA take over checkpoint south of Sirte initiating state of alert for Sirte security forces
On 10 March, the LNA took control over the Abu Hadi Checkpoint, south of Sirte. The GNA aligned Sirte Protection Force (SPF) announced a state of emergency in response and mobilised additional forces east and south of Sirte. On 7 March, the LNA’s 73 Brigade observed ‘hostile elements’ making their way through to the Murzuq area. On 9 March, Chadian Interior Minister held a meeting with the LNA and Tebu tribes to secure the common border. On 6 March, GNA spokesperson held a press conference to give further details about the so-called ‘Abu Dhabi Dialogue’,
13 February – 19 February: GNA claim to have coordinated airstrikes with US targeting al-Qaeda
On 13 February, the GNA claimed that it had coordinated an airstrike with joint U.S.-Libyan forces targeting al-Qaeda members near Awbari. The Libyan National Army (LNA) has begun the second phase of its ‘Operation Southern Liberation’ this week, advancing on Umm al-Aranib and launching airstrikes in the Murzuq area.
23 January – 29 January: LNA label UN Envoy an “opponent”
On 23 January, the LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari labelled UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame as an ‘opponent.’ The military campaign launched by the LNA to exert its control over the southern region made notable progress. On 26 January, the head of the HSC Khalid al-Mishri resigned from the Muslim Brotherhood.
16 January – 22 January: LNA pushes forward with its campaign to secure the southern region
On 21 January, a ceasefire agreement was reached between the TPR and the 7th Brigade following clashes in southern Tripoli. Over the last week, the Libyan National Army (LNA) has continued to consolidate its presence in and around Sebha as a part of its campaign to secure the southern region.
9 January – 15 January: Rada release details on suspects involved in ISIS attacks in Tripoli
On 7 January, Rada released information on individuals suspected of orchestrating recent ISIS attacks in Tripoli and the Oil Crescent. On 8 January, Fathi Bashaga suggests ISIS is operating freely in the greater Tripoli region. On 10 January, unconfirmed reports suggesting two ISIS fighters were arrested in Tripoli. On 9 January, the body of the former leader of ISIS in Libya, Abu Nabil al-Anbari, was uncovered in a mass grave in Derna.
9 January – 15 January: LNA confirm operation to liberate southern Libya
On 15 January, LNA confirmed that an operation to liberate southern Libya from “terrorist” groups is underway. On 8 January, the LNA’s Military Police Brigade was deployed to Ras Lanuf and Brega to facilitate security in the Oil Crescent. On 8 January, three Presidential Council members instructed all government staff to cease supporting PC head Fayez al-Serraj.
2 January – 8 January: LNA forces rescue 20 civilians captured by ISIS
On 1 January, LNA forces undertook security operations around Ghadduwah that resulted in the rescue of as many as 20 civilians captured by ISIS fighters during attacks by the group on al-Fuqaha and Tazerbu late last year.
26 December – 1 January: Directors of security in Tripoli and Benghazi meet to discuss unification
On 29 December, the Directors of security in Tripoli and Benghazi met in Benghazi to discuss unification. On 27 December, a Chadian rebel militia attacked the LNA’s 10th Brigade leaving one dead and 12 more wounded at Taraghin.
7 November – 13 November: ISIS attempts to negotiate prisoner exchange with Fuqaha
ISIS has attempted to negotiate a prisoner exchange with Fuqaha residents according to Libyan news outlets. On 9 November, security forces in the al-Manshia area of Sebha allegedly captured ISIS fighters.
24 October – 30 October: ISIS attack Fuqaha
On October 29, ISIS launched an assault on the village of Fuqaha in the Jufra district, leaving four dead and kidnapping at least nine others.
10 October – 16 October: LNA launches airstrikes on Chadian “mercenaries” south of Tmassah
On 13 October, the LNA launched airstrikes on a convoy of Chadian mercenaries in the southern Tmassah area. On 14 October, fighting occurred between a coalition composed of the Khalid Bin Walid brigade and the Waw brigade against and a Chadian militia east of Tmassah.
26 September – 2 October: GNA to redraw security arrangements in the Tripoli
Following the conclusion of clashes in Tripoli on 25 September, the GNA is moving to redraw security arrangements in the capital through the UN facilitated Security Arrangements Committee of Greater Tripoli. In light of this the GNA Local Government Minister is hosting a meeting of municipal mayors on 2 October to discuss decentralisation and the devolution of security functions to municipalities.
30 May – 5 June: LNA repel attack at Teminhent airbase while delegates from Misrata and Tawergha sign a reconciliation and return agreement
On 31 May, an armed group reportedly composed of Tebu and members of the defunct Benghazi Defence Brigades attacked Teminhint airbase controlled by the Libyan National Army (LNA). Reports indicate that the LNA’s 116th Battalion repelled the attack after three hours of fighting. On 3 June, delegates from Misrata and Tawergha signed a reconciliation and return agreement that will see as many as 40,000 Tawerghan internally displaced persons (IDP) return to their homes.
23 May – 29 May: On 24 May VBIED attack in Benghazi kills at least six
On 24 May, a VBIED attack occurred in Benghazi killing at least six people and wounded 22 others. The motives and the perpetrators remain unknown. On 25 May, the commander of the LNA’s 21 Saiqa Brigade claimed to have survived an assassination attempt in Benghazi. On 28 May, the LNA Air force claim to have struck multiple “Chadian militias” in southern Libya.
9 May – 15 May: PC expand powers of Rada while fighting continues in southern Libya
On 11 May, the Presidential Council (PC) in Tripoli announced a decree that would significantly expand the powers of the Special Deterrent Forces (Rada). The GNA’s MoI established a new force called the ‘Special Operations Force’ (SOF). On 11 May, the Libyan Air Force had conducted strikes on fuel smugglers sites on the Libyan-Tunisian border. On 12 May, Tebu fighters managed to advance and take control of vital locations in south Sebha from their rivals the Awlad Suliman.
25 Apr – 1 May: Haftar returns to Libya dismissing reports of his ill health
On 26 April, Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar landed at Benghazi. On 27 April, the Awlad Suliman Tribal Council in Sebha issued a statement welcoming Haftar’s return and declaring loyalty and readiness to support him. On 25 April, a delegation from the city of Zintan paid a return visit to Misrata, where delegates from both cities signed a reconciliation agreement.
11 Apr – 17 Apr: Peace talks between the Awlad Suliman, Tebu and Tuareg tribes moves to Niger
On 14 April, attempts to negotiate peace between the Awlad Suliman, Tebu and Tuareg tribes, who have been clashing in and around the southern Libya city of Sebha since February of this year, have moved to Niger and are allegedly being facilitated by French diplomats after multiple attempts to reach a solution to the fighting have failed.
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.
24 – 30 May: Anti-GNA militias evicted from Tripoli
On 26 May, pro-GNA Tripoli militias evicted rival anti-GNA militias from the capital, taking over key sites including Hadba prison. 52 people were killed in the fighting. The LNA recognised the pro-GNA militias’ efforts against ‘Islamist terrorists’.
Apr 18-25 Breakthrough Rome meeting reinvigorates LPA
A breakthrough meeting between HoR president Ageelah Saleh and HCS head Abdurrahman Swehli was held in Rome and on 24 April, the HoR nominated 24 members to the dialogue committee. In southern Libya, fighting continues between the GNA-aligned Misratan Third Force and the LNA.
12-17 Apr: LNA-GNA Conflict Escalates in the South
The LNA-GNA conflict escalates as the LNA increases airstrikes in the southwest, targeting key GNA airbases Teminhint and Jufra. The GNA calls for international assistance to end the proxy war in the South. GNA Defence Ministry Spokesperson Brigadier Mohammed Al-Ghousri, says that Haftar’s end is imminent with western intervention and a no-fly zone in southern Libya.
5-11 Apr: Clashes intensify between GNA and LNA in Teminhint
Clashes escalated last week between the LNA and the GNA in south-west Libya as the LNA bombed Teminhint airbase and GNA-aligned Misratan forces bombed Brak al-Shati airbase. At least 10 fighters have been killed.
DMSC says it only recognizes Dar al-Ifta as LNA airstrikes continue
Intermittent clashes continue between the DMSC and LNA in south of Derna as DMSC says it only recognizes the authority of Dar al-Ifta. In the south-west, both the BDB and LNA appear to be building up their forces and supplies.
LNA Hits Sabri & Souq al-Hout With Airstrikes
LNA announces the start of its ‘final’ operation to retake central Benghazi and targets jihadist supply vessels. In Jufra, the LNA appoints a new head for its Jufra Ops Room and is expected to launch an assault soon.
15 – 21 Mar: LNA ‘liberates’ Ganfuda, Retakes Oil Crescent and Attacks South
On 18 March, the LNA announced it had fully liberated Ganfuda from jihadists and began targeting Sabri and Souq al-Hout. The LNA has also retaken the Oil Crescent and on 20 March, pushed further south.
ISIS Arms Cache Found, Fighters Spotted
A suspected ISIS arms cache containing unguided air-to-ground bombs and fuel was reportedly found by LNA units approximately 90km south of Nawfaliya, while there are reports ISIS cells are regrouping in the regions south-west of Misrata, near Bani Walid.
Anti-GNA Force Formed in Tripoli
On 9 February, forces who oppose the UN-backed GNA announced the formation of the ‘Libyan National Guard’ (LNG) in Tripoli. A number of militias from western Libya announced they had joined the LNG forces and clashes broke out with rival factions in capital.
ISIS Fighter Says Tunisian Journalists Killed in Derna
There are reports of ISIS fighters sabotaging infrastructure in south-west Libya, including an attack on the Man Made River pipeline. An anti-ISIS tribal coalition has reportedly been formed to counter this threat. In Sirte, an ISIS suicide bomber attacked BM forces but no casualties were reported, while ISIS fighter says Tunisia journalists were executed in Derna.
Head of Misrata Military Council Injured in LNA Airstrike
The Misratan Third Force retook the Gweirat al-Mal checkpoint from the LNA, while LNA fighters conducted airstrikes against Jufra airbase, injuring the head of Misrata Military Council. This lead to calls for all Misratans to mobilize against Haftar in the south, while protests were held in the south calling for Misrata to withdraw.
Reports of ISIS Presence in Southern Libya
There are reports of an ISIS presence in south-west Libya, with ISIS fighters reportedly use the desert roads to move between areas, raid supplies and establish checkpoints. In Sirte, a Salafist brigade has been tasked with securing the city.
Hostilities Between Misrata & LNA in Southern Libya, Koni Resigns
New hostilities between Misratan forces and the LNA threaten to destabilize southern Libya and weaken the GNA. Deputy PM Musa al-Koni resigned his position on the PC, saying it had failed the Libyan people, while the PC agreed the new 2017 Libyan budget and issued some major security decisions.
ISIS Fighters Attack Water Pipe in Southern Libya
ISIS fighters attacked the main control station of the Man Made River pipe system southern Libya, however the LNA says the fighters have been driven away and that they now have control of the station. In Khoms, the mayor says last month’s beheading was not carried out by ISIS.
US AFRICOM Concludes Operations in Sirte
Last week, US AFRICOM concluded Operation Odyssey Lightning in Sirte while support is being given to the Stabilisation Facility for Libya. On 23 December, an internal Libya flight was hijacked and flown to Malta, where the hijackers were apprehended.
Action 18 Oct 16
Battles continued last week between the Government of National Accord (GNA)-aligned, Misratan-led ‘Bunyan Marsus’ (BM) forces and Islamic State (ISIS) in Sirte. Despite repeated announcements of the city’s imminent liberation by BM forces, the end does not yet appear to be in sight.
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 – 30 May 2016
The Government of National Accord’s (GNA) Bunyan Marsus operations room, led by Misratan Colonel Bashir Al Gadi, made significant gains against ISIS this week, advancing to within 30 kilometres of Sirte…On May 30, the Petroleoum Facilities Guard (PFG) made significant gains against ISIS from the east. PFG units took control of a number of oil fields last week, including Al Jabal and Waha Al Waha.
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 – 2 March 2015
The Islamic State released video directed at foreign fighters, calling on them to come to Libya because “the state of Islam is expanding.” UN-sponsored peace talks that were due to take place in Morocco on 26 February were postponed following the HoR’s announcement last week that it was suspending its participation in the process.