8 May – 14 May: ISIS conducted an attack on the town of Ghadduwa

May 14, 2019 | ISIS

On 9 May, Islamic State (ISIS) conducted a daylight attack on the town of Ghadduwa, south east of Sebha, killing three and kidnapping at least one person. One of those killed was former Libyan diplomat Ali al-Kaboush. ISIS’ official Amaq News Agency claimed the incident, stating they had burned down 14 houses and military councils. ISIS later published photos of the incident.

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 the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) 160 training camp, near Sebha. The article indicates they released 200 prisoners, describing them as “simple Muslims” not linked with either the LNA or Government of National Accord (GNA).

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 after fleeing Syria in February of this year. The paper claims British, Italian and American surveillance aircrafts have been conducting operations in Libya to locate the ISIS leader. The British government did not comment on the article.

On 14 May, the Sabratha Operations Room released a statement claiming the LNA airstrike on the Farouk Brigade headquarters in Zawiyya on 13 May killed suspected ISIS member Safwan Abdul Majid.