Other 29 Nov 2016

Nov 29, 2016 | Other Jihadi Actors

In Tripoli, the murder of a high profile Dar al-Ifta Cleric has heightened tensions in the capital between Salafist denominated RADA forces (who are also affiliated with the GNA) and other Islamist hard-line forces who follow the Grand Mufti Sadeq al-Ghariyani. On 25 November, al-Ghariyani threatened RADA forces and accused Madkhali Salafists of acting under the influence of foreign agents.

In Benghazi, Saiqa Special Forces commander Wanis Bukhamada has been tasked with retaking the central Sabri and Suq al-Hout areas which remain under the control of jihadis. Although the LNA retook the port last year, jihadi fighters have previously managed to transport reinforcements and supplies through the Sabri beach.

On 23 November, a media outlet affiliated with al-Qaeda published an interview with Mohammed al-Nos al-Dressi, one of the leaders of the Ansar al-Sharia faction aligned with BRSC. In the interview al-Dressi admitted that BRSC and IS had been allies against Haftar but said that this has now changed. However, al-Dressi  vowed to continue to fighting the LNA forces, and called on Islamist jihadists from cross Africa to join them in this fight.

In Derna, the Derna Mujahadeen Shura Council (DMSC) is entrenching itself in the city and is establishing a new security force. Tensions between the DMSC and the ‘Madkhalis’, another Salafist denomination who are allied with Haftar, also appear to be rising.