22 May – 28 May: GNA claim to have arrested the head of ISIS-Libya’s religious police

May 28, 2019 | ISIS

On 23 May, ISIS released its al-Naba newsletter no. 183 that featured a report on the group’s raid on Libyan National Army (LNA) security forces near Zilla on 18 May. In the report, ISIS claim they ambushed the LNA troops near Fuqaha causing twenty deaths.

On 26 May, the LNA claimed it conducted an airstrike on an alleged ISIS armed convoy moving along the main east-west desert road near Marada. Several vehicles were reportedly destroyed.

On 26 May, the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) Ministry of Interior (MoI) claimed to have arrested the head of ISIS’ Religious Police along with another al-Qaeda fighter. Specific details of the individuals have not been released though the arrests are said to have occurred last month. In a statement, the MoI highlighted its cooperation with neighbouring states on counter-terrorism related issues and indicated it would increase its operations to capture internationally wanted terrorists.