Update from Libya

As we start 2015, RPS brings you an update on the security situation in Libya.

The ongoing clashes  between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and Islamist Militias continue as the rival groups seek to take control of Libya’s vast oil and gas industry.

The blaze caused by an RPG attack launched from a speedboat on Es Sidr terminal is now finally under control after burning for nine days and costing Libya an estimated $200 Million in lost revenue. However ongoing clashes in the area and the extensive damage caused to the facilities will likely pose a serious obstacle to resuming previous levels of oil production.

Meanwhile pro-Libyan army forces have declared Ben Jawad a closed military zone, demanding that individuals evacuate the area in order to facilitate the Libyan Army’s efforts to rid the area of Libya Dawn militants.

General Hefters Air force has recently bombed Misratan locations several times with emphasis on the docks, training academy and more recenetly on the airport itself. Government sources are claiming to have carried out “direct and precise” air strikes on three targets in Misrata while they report heavy fighting between the army and Libya Dawn forces around Ben Jawad.

Both the ongoing fighting in the oil crescent and the explosion of a third suicide car bomb in as many months, this time outside the Dar Es Salaam Hotel in Tobruk, where the House of Representatives have been holding there sessions on 30 December 2014, have further damaged prospects for national dialogue talks which the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) had claimed will begin today, 05 January 2015.

Although clashes have seemed to diminish in scope throughout Western Libya, skirmishes were reported at al Wattiya Airbase on 02 January, while the Libyan Army also claimed the same day to have seized complete control of al Assah, located next to the Tunisian-Libyan border.

The spread of Islamic State in Libya seems to be increasing with a brazen attack on a Libyan National Army (LNA) checkpoint and accommodation in Sawknaw in the south west of Libya which saw nineteen LNA soldiers killed as they slept, which was reportedly claimed by an IS affiliated group.

Further kidnappings of Coptic Christians in Sirte occurred with thirteen men being taken from a residential compound on Saturday with no word on their fate yet. Seven were kidnapped a few days before and the murder of the Christian doctor, his wife and daughter occurred just a week before in the Sirte area.

There are reports that UAE has supplied General Hefters forces in Benghazi with several new Armoured Fighting Vehicles This may be to end the stalemate there with reports of heavily defended AAS positions in housing estates.

The Situation in Benghazi is still very dangerous, with AAS dug in defensive positions in the south western housing areas of Hawari and the western gate area and with reports that booby traps and car bombs are in position ready for the LNA forces. Benghazi residents have also suffered 3 long days of power cuts and mobile phone disruptions, likewise fuel, common goods and gas bottles for cooking are in short supply. The shortages have resulted in fur-ther spikes in prices for essential products, such as candles and coal

An NGO has revealed statistics that there were a total of 2,803 violent deaths in Libya in 2014 with more than two thirds in Benghazi.

Reports came out on the 04 January stating that Libya Dawn will not recognize Libyan visas issued in Malta by the HoR ‘’Embassy’’.

The Libya Dawn Salvation government based in Tripoli, supported by the GNC and Misrata led militias, will not recognize Libyan visas issued by the Tobruk based House of Representatives (HoR) Abdullah Thinni recognized embassy in Malta. This report is still to be confirmed.

Thanks to SNE Projects, for this update.

Photo: areas of risk in Libya