Other — 23 May 2016

May 23, 2016 | Other Jihadi Actors

Tripoli, and the western region as a whole, is witnessing a marked increase in kidnappings and murders of civilians and officials alike. A high profile member of a reconciliation group was found murdered outside of his home on 19 May, while the head of the Libyan Centre for Combatting Terrorism was also found dead on 21 May. Many other citizens have been kidnapped for ransom, or held as bargaining chips for prisoner exchange. It is difficult to  say if these incidents are jihadi terrorism or simply gang violence.

In the East, Benghazi remains the scene of continued jihadi resistance, despite the forcible takeover of the city by the Libyan National Army (LNA). Dispersed pockets of ISIS militants, Ansar Al Sharia fighters and the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council remain in the areas of Sabri and Soug Al Hout, which are adjacent to the Benghazi port.