Libyan civil war (2014–2020): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Armed conflict in Libya}} |
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{{About|the conflict from 2014 to 2020|the 8-month civil war in 2011|Libyan civil war (2011)}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}} |
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{{Infobox military conflict |
{{Infobox military conflict |
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|conflict= |
| conflict = Libyan civil war |
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| partof = the [[Arab Winter]], the [[Libyan Crisis (2011–present)|Libyan Crisis]], the [[Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict]], the [[War on terror]], and the [[Qatar–Saudi Arabia diplomatic conflict]] |
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|partof=the [[post-civil war violence in Libya]] |
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| image = Libyan Civil War.svg |
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|image= |
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| image_size = 400px |
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|caption= |
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| caption = Military situation in Libya on <!-- do not change the date unless the map has been manually updated; the map does not auto-update -->11 June 2020<div style="text-align: left;">{{legend|#ebc0b3|Under the control of the [[House of Representatives (Libya)|House of Representatives]] and the [[Libyan National Army]] (LNA)}}{{legend|#cae7c4|Under the control of the [[Government of National Accord]] (GNA) and different [[militia]]s forming the [[Libya Shield Force]]}}{{legend|#afc6e9|Controlled by local forces}} |
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|date=May 16, 2014 – ''present'' |
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(For a more detailed map, see [[Template:Libyan Civil War detailed map|military situation in the Libyan Civil War]])</div> |
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|place=[[Libya]] |
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| date = [[Battle of Benghazi (2014)|16 May 2014]] – 23 October 2020<br/>({{Age in months, weeks and days|year1=2014|month1=05|day1=16|year2=2020|month2=10|day2=23}}) |
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|territory= |
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| place = [[Libya]] |
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|result= |
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|status= |
| status = |
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| combatants_header = [[List of armed groups in the Libyan Civil War|Main belligerents]] |
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*General National Congress unable to block elections and suffer landslide electoral defeat. |
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| result = Ceasefire |
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*Islamist armed groups take control of [[Benghazi]] and [[Tripoli International Airport]]. |
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* Permanent ceasefire ratified on 23 October 2020 |
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*Islamist armed groups claim to have taken control of central [[Tripoli]].<ref name="WPost Aug. 24">{{cite web | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egypt-denies-intervening-in-libya/2014/08/24/88b364ee-2b7d-11e4-be9e-60cc44c01e7f_story.html | title=Libya’s Islamist militias claim control of capital | publisher=The Washington Post | work=Associated Press | date=August 24, 2014 | accessdate=August 26, 2014 | archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6S6QPzb6U | archivedate=August 26, 2014}}</ref> |
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* LNA failed to conquer [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]] |
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|combatants_header=Belligerents<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/08/libya-tripoli-control-hifter-tribal-forces.html | title=Dawn of Libya forces impose control on Tripoli | publisher=Al-Monitor | date=August 25, 2014 | accessdate=August 27, 2014 | author=Daleh, Mustafa}}</ref> |
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* [[Government of National Unity (Libya)|Government of National Unity]] formed on 10 March 2021<ref name="alj" /> |
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|combatant1={{Flagicon|Libya}} [[Council of Deputies|Libyan parliament]]<br/> |
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*[[Libyan |
* Continued [[Libyan Crisis (2011–present)|Libyan Crisis]] |
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| combatant1 = {{flagicon|Libya}}{{flagicon image|Coat of arms of Libya Tobruk Government.svg}} '''[[House of Representatives (Libya)|House of Representatives]]''' ([[Tobruk]]-based)<ref name="peacedeal">{{cite news|title=Rival Libyan factions sign UN-backed peace deal|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/12/libya-rival-parliaments-sign-backed-deal-151217131709056.html|access-date=17 December 2015|work=Al Jazeera|date=17 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="Times of Malta">{{cite news|title=Libya's rival factions sign UN peace deal, despite resistance |url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20151217/world/libyan-factions-meet-to-sign-un-peace-deal.596042|access-date=17 December 2015|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=17 December 2015}}</ref> |
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**[[Ground Forces]] |
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* {{flagicon image|Flag of The Libyan National Army (Variant).svg}} [[Libyan National Army]]<ref name="ABC News">{{cite news |access-date=21 May 2014|url-status=live|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/libyan-lawmakers-meet-secret-amid-standoff-23798123 |title=2 Ranking Libyan Officials Side With Rogue General |date=20 May 2014 |first1=Esam |last1=Mohamed |first2=Maggie |last2=Michael |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |archive-date=26 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526020155/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/libyan-lawmakers-meet-secret-amid-standoff-23798123}}</ref><ref name="Special forces join Libya's Dignity">{{cite news |first1=Ayman |last1=al-Warfalli |first2=Ulf |last2=Laessing|work=Reuters|url-status=live |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-violence-idUSBREA4G04A20140519 |title=Libyan special forces commander says his forces join renegade general|date=19 May 2014|access-date=22 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521071351/https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/19/us-libya-violence-idUSBREA4G04A20140519 |archive-date=21 May 2014}}</ref> |
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**[[Libyan Air Force|Air Force]]<ref name="ABC News"/> |
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* {{air force|Libya}}<br>(LNA–aligned) |
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**[[Libyan Navy|Navy]]<ref name="ABC News"/> |
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* {{navy|Libya}}<br>(LNA–aligned) |
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**[[Al-Saiqa (Libya)|Special Forces]]<ref name="Special forces join Libya's Dignity"/> |
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{{Collapsible list |
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|title= Others: |
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|1= [[Zintan Brigade|Zintan brigades]]<ref name="Warshefana-Zintanis seize Camp 27">{{cite news|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/05/warshefana-take-camp-27-from-libya-shield/#axzz39dcDm2Q5 |title=Warshefana take Camp 27 from Libya Shield |newspaper=Libya Herald |date=5 August 2014 |access-date=7 August 2014 |author=Abdul-Wahab, Ashraf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808101117/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/05/warshefana-take-camp-27-from-libya-shield/ |archive-date= 8 August 2014}}</ref> |
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|2= {{flagicon image|JEM_Logo_June_2013.jpg}} [[Justice and Equality Movement|JEM]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/sudanese-rebel-group-acknowledges-fighting-khalifa-haftar%E2%80%99s-forces-libya|title=Sudanese rebel group acknowledges fighting for Khalifa Haftar's forces in Libya|work=Libya Observer|date=10 October 2016|access-date=3 February 2017|archive-date=3 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203163221/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/sudanese-rebel-group-acknowledges-fighting-khalifa-haftar%E2%80%99s-forces-libya|url-status=dead}}</ref> (from 2016) |
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|3={{flagicon image|Flag of Darfur.svg}} [[Sudan Liberation Movement/Army|SLM/A-Minnawi]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/sudanese-rebels-are-fighting-alongside-dignity-operation-libya%E2%80%99s-derna|title=Sudanese rebels are fighting alongside Dignity Operation in Libya's Derna|first=Safa|last=Alharath|work=Libya Observer|date=17 June 2018|access-date=29 December 2018|archive-date=28 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228130851/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/sudanese-rebels-are-fighting-alongside-dignity-operation-libya%E2%80%99s-derna|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2019/01/20/terror-suspects-killed-in-large-lna-operation-in-south-libya/ |title=Terror suspects killed in large LNA operation in south Libya |first=Jamal|last=Adel |work=Libya Herald |date=19 January 2019 |access-date=28 February 2019}}</ref> |
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|4= {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Gaddafi loyalism|Gaddafi loyalists]]<ref>{{Cite news|title=Gaddafi loyalists join West in battle to push Islamic State from Libya|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=7 May 2016|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/07/gaddafi-loyalists-join-west-in-battle-to-push-islamic-state-from/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/07/gaddafi-loyalists-join-west-in-battle-to-push-islamic-state-from/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Libya]] |
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*Warshefana militias<br><ref name="Warshefana-Zintanis seize Camp 27" /><ref>{{cite news|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=After six years in jail, Gaddafi's son Saif plots return to Libya's turbulent politics|date=6 December 2017|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/06/saif-gaddafi-libya-politics-son-muammar|quote=The Warshefana tribal militia, Gaddafi loyalists who controlled some of the area around Tripoli, were routed last month by rival forces from Zintan}}</ref><ref name="libyanexpress.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyexpress.com/jordan-arming-libyas-haftar-with-armored-vehicles-and-weapons/|title=Jordan arming Libya's Haftar with armored vehicles and weapons|date=23 May 2019}}</ref> |
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}} |
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[[File:PMC Wagner Center logo.png|20px]] [[Wagner Group]]<br>(from 2018)<br><ref>{{cite news |title=Wagner, shadowy Russian military group, 'fighting in Libya' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-52571777 |access-date=26 May 2020 |publisher=BBC |date=7 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/world/middleeast/russia-libya-mercenaries.html|title=Russian Snipers, Missiles and Warplanes Try to Tilt Libyan War|first=David D.|last=Kirkpatrick|newspaper=The New York Times|date=5 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyanexpress.com/number-of-russian-mercenaries-fighting-for-haftar-in-libya-rises-to-1400-report-says/|title=Number of Russian mercenaries fighting for Haftar in Libya rises to 1400, report says|date=16 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Macron slams Turkey's 'criminal' role in Libya, Putin's ambivalence |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-oil-russia-macron/macron-slams-turkeys-criminal-role-in-libya-putins-ambivalence-idUSKBN2402KB |work=Reuters |date=29 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mobile.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSKBN16H2DM|title=Exclusive: Russian private security firm says it had armed men in east Libya|date=13 March 2017|publisher=Reuters}}</ref><br> |
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{{flagicon|Egypt}} [[Egypt]]<ref name="UAE-Egypt"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Is Egypt bombing the right militants in Libya? |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-security-analysis/is-egypt-bombing-the-right-militants-in-libya-idUSKBN18R2GE |work=Reuters |date=31 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Egypt's parliament approves troop deployment to Libya |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/egypt-legislators-vote-deploying-troops-libya-200720141515828.html |work=Al Jazeera |date=20 July 2020}}</ref><br> |
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{{flagicon|United Arab Emirates}} [[United Arab Emirates]]<ref name="UAE-Egypt">{{cite news |title=UAE and Egypt behind bombing raids against Libyan militias, say US officials |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/26/united-arab-emirates-bombing-raids-libyan-militias |work=The Guardian |date=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Libya migrant attack: UN investigators suspect foreign jet bombed centre |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-50302602 |work=BBC News |date=6 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=UAE drone strike on factory near Tripoli killed 8 civilians: HRW |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/uae-strike-tripoli-factory-killed-civilians-hrw-200429173012775.html |work=Al Jazeera |date=29 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=UAE implicated in lethal drone strike in Libya |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53917791 |work=BBC News |date=27 August 2020}}</ref><br> |
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{{flagicon image|Flag of the Rapid Support Forces (Sudan).png}}[[Rapid Support Forces|RSF]]<ref name="deWaal_Hemeti">{{cite news | last1= de Waal | first1=Alex | title= Sudan crisis: The ruthless mercenaries who run the country for gold | date= 20 July 2019 |newspaper= [[BBC News]] | url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-48987901 |access-date= 21 July 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190721231109/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-48987901 |archive-date= 21 July 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> (from 2019)<br>{{flag|Syria}}<br>(2020)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vohra |first1=Anchal |title=It's Syrian vs. Syrian in Libya |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/05/05/libya-civil-conflict-syrian-mercenaries-turkey-russia-gna-haftar/ |access-date=26 May 2020 |publisher=Foreign Policy |date=5 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pamuk |first1=Humeyra |title=U.S. says Russia is working with Syria's Assad to move militia to Libya |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-usa-syria/u-s-says-russia-is-working-with-syrias-assad-to-move-militia-to-libya-idUSKBN22J301 |access-date=26 May 2020 |publisher=Reuters |date=7 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=First fighter of Russian-backed Syrian mercenaries killed in Libya's battles, and number of recruits jumps to 450 |url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=166414 |access-date=26 May 2020 |publisher=SOHR |date=24 May 2020}}</ref><br>{{flag|Hezbollah}} (''allegedly, denied by LNA'')<ref name="The Iran-Haftar links in Libya">{{Cite web |date=2020-07-17 |title=The Iran-Haftar links in Libya |url=https://warsawinstitute.org/iran-haftar-links-libya/ |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=Warsaw Institute |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="aawsat.com">{{Cite web |title=حوار سياسي {{!}} المسماري لـ"الشرق الأوسط": وجود عناصر لـ"حزب الله" أو للأسد في ليبيا "أكاذيب إخوانية" |url=https://aawsat.com/node/2189661 |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=aawsat.com |language=ar}}</ref><br/> |
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{{Collapsible list |
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|title= Support: |
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|1= {{flag|Russia}}<ref>{{Cite news|publisher=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]]|date=21 December 2016|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-21/putin-promotes-libyan-strongman-as-new-ally-after-syria-victory|title=Putin Promotes Libyan Strongman as New Ally After Syria Victory}}</ref><ref name="russiahaftar">{{cite news|work=[[Middle East Eye]]|date=30 January 2017|title=Russia's secret plan to back Haftar in Libya|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/exclusive-russias-secret-plan-libya-2129027228|first=Malek|last=Bachir|access-date=3 April 2017}}</ref> |
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|2= {{flagicon image|Flag of France (lighter variant).svg}} [[France]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/.premium-from-sudan-to-algeria-a-new-arab-spring-plundered-by-armies-and-elites-1.7111234|title=Analysis From Bouteflika to Bashir, Powers Shift. But the Second Arab Spring Is Far From Breaking Out|first=Zvi|last=Bar'el|date=13 April 2019|access-date=15 April 2019|newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/frances-double-game-in-libya-nato-un-khalifa-haftar/|title=France's double game in Libya|first=Paul|last=Taylor|date=17 April 2019|website=Politico}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-france-idUSKCN1RU1X6|title=Tripoli interior ministry accuses France of supporting Haftar, ends cooperation|newspaper=Reuters|date=18 April 2019|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5779348/war-libya-global-conflict/ |title='Our Hearts Are Dead.' After 9 Years of Civil War, Libyans Are Tired of Being Pawns in a Geopolitical Game of Chess |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=12 February 2020 |access-date=2020-05-25}}</ref> |
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|3= {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}<ref>{{cite web|title=UAE, Saudi Arabia aiding Libya eastern forces, blacklisting Qatar for alleged support for other Libyans|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/opinions/uae-saudi-arabia-aiding-libya-eastern-forces-blacklisting-qatar-alleged-support-other|work=The Libya Observer|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805222215/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/opinions/uae-saudi-arabia-aiding-libya-eastern-forces-blacklisting-qatar-alleged-support-other|archive-date=5 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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|4= {{flag|Chad}}<ref>{{cite news|work=Libyan Express|url=http://www.libyanexpress.com/khalifa-haftar-says-egypt-and-chad-are-his-top-supporters/|date=6 September 2016|title=Khalifa Haftar says Egypt and Chad are his top supporters}}</ref> |
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|5= {{flag|Jordan}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/04/13/Jordan-pledges-support-for-Libya-in-talks-with-General-Haftar.html|title=Jordan pledges support for Libya in talks with General Haftar|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=13 April 2015}}</ref><ref name="JordanGNA">{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-renews-support-libya%E2%80%99s-national-concord|title=King renews support for Libya's national concord|work=[[The Jordan Times]] |date=20 August 2017|access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="libyanexpress.com"/> |
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|6= {{flag|Algeria}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-04 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Russia's secret plan to back Haftar in Libya {{!}} Middle East Eye |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/exclusive-russias-secret-plan-libya-2129027228 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104071532/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/exclusive-russias-secret-plan-libya-2129027228 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2018-01-04 |access-date=2024-02-10 }}</ref> |
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|7= {{flag|Belarus}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150302/business-news/libya-needs-international-maritime-force-to-help-stop-illicit-oil.558161|title=Libya needs international maritime force to help stop illicit oil, weapons – UN experts|website=Times of Malta|date=2 March 2015 |access-date=18 May 2019}}</ref><ref>[https://42.tut.by/532414 Беларусь увайшла ў спіс найбуйнейшых сусветных экспарцёраў зброі] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209162358/https://42.tut.by/532414 |date=9 February 2020 }} — Tut.by, 21 лютага 2018</ref> |
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|8= {{flag|Greece}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why is Greece courting Haftar's militia in Libya? |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/why-is-greece-courting-haftars-militia-in-libya-/1899306 |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref><ref>[https://greece.greekreporter.com/2019/12/22/greeces-foreign-minister-nikos-dendias-visits-libya/ Greece’s Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias Visits Libya], Dendias noted that Haftar’s position is aligned with Greece’s.</ref> |
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|9= {{flag|Cyprus}}<ref>[https://www.aa.com.tr/en/energy/general/trnc-pm-slams-greek-cypriot-cooperation-with-haftar/27905/ TRNC PM slams Greek Cypriot cooperation with Haftar]</ref> |
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|10= {{flag|United States}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eltagouri* |first=Yousuf |date=2019-05-06 |title=Trump's Embrace of Haftar Will Reignite Libya's Proxy War {{!}} Beyond the Horizon ISSG |url=https://behorizon.org/trumps-embrace-of-haftar-will-reignite-libyas-proxy-war/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyanexpress.com/us-abandons-long-time-cia-asset-khalifa-haftar-brands-him-as-spoiler/|title=US abandons long-time CIA asset Khalifa Haftar, brands him as spoiler|publisher=Libyan Express|date=18 August 2016|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204090803/http://www.libyanexpress.com/us-abandons-long-time-cia-asset-khalifa-haftar-brands-him-as-spoiler/|archive-date=4 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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|11= {{flag|United Kingdom}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boris Johnson backs Khalifa Haftar's fight against 'terror' in Libya |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/boris-johnson-backs-khalifa-haftars-fight-against-terror-libya |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref> |
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|12= {{flag|Israel}}<br> (''allegedly, denied by LNA'')<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/haftar-and-israel-from-animosity-to-alliance-/1924585 |title=Haftar and Israel: From animosity to alliance. Tel Aviv provides Haftar militias with training and weapons as Libya may become new market for Israel's military exports |date=28 July 2020 |work=[[Anadolu Agency]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Silverstein |first1=Richard |title=Haftar: Israeli secret aid to Libya's strongman reveals a new friend in Africa |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/haftar-israeli-secret-aid-libyas-strongman-reveals-new-friend-africa |website=Middle East Eye |access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Libya's Haftar 'provided with Israeli military aid following UAE-mediated meetings with Mossad agents' |url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/7/24/libyas-haftar-provided-with-israeli-weaponry-following-uae-mediated-meetings |website=The New Arab |date=24 July 2017 |access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Libya's Haftar had lengthy meeting with Israeli intelligence officer |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180703-libyas-haftar-had-lengthy-meeting-with-israeli-intelligence-officer/ |website=Middle East Monitor |date=3 July 2018 |access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Libya: Flight data places mysterious planes in Haftar territory |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/libya-flight-data-places-mysterious-planes-haftar-territory-190527205819893.html |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref> |
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|13= {{flag|Iran}} (''Israeli claim'')<ref name="aa.com.tr">{{Cite web |title=Israel claims Iran sent Libya's Haftar anti-tank arms |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israel-claims-iran-sent-libyas-haftar-anti-tank-arms/1848229 |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref> |
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}} |
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{{flag|South Africa}} |
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| combatant2 = {{flagicon|Libya}}{{flagicon image|The emblem on the passport of Libya.svg}} '''[[Government of National Accord]]''' ([[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]]-based) (from 2016) |
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* {{army|Libya}} |
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* {{air force|Libya}}<br />(GNA–aligned) |
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* {{navy|Libya}}<ref name="navy">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/libyan-navy-asserts-control-isil-controlled-sirte/|title=Libyan Navy asserts control over ISIL-controlled Sirte|work=Al-Masdar News|date=10 June 2016|access-date=24 June 2016|archive-date=23 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023094115/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/libyan-navy-asserts-control-isil-controlled-sirte/|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />(GNA–aligned) |
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{{Collapsible list |
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|title= Others: |
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|1=[[Libyan Presidential Guard|Presidential Guard]]<ref name="Presidential Guard">{{cite news|title=Presidential Guard established|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2016/05/09/presidential-guard-established/|access-date=9 May 2016|work=Libya Herald|date=9 May 2016}}</ref> |
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|2=[[Misrata Military Council|Misrata Brigades]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.libyanexpress.com/misrata-brigades-and-municipality-form-security-chamber-to-enable-gna-to-operate-from-tripoli/|title=Misrata brigades and municipality form security chamber to enable GNA to operate from Tripoli|work=Libyan Express|date=28 March 2016|access-date=29 March 2016}}</ref> |
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|3=Sabratha Revolutionary Brigades<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.libyanexpress.com/sabratha-revolutionary-brigades-announce-full-support-for-gna/|title=Sabratha revolutionary brigades announce full support for GNA|work=Libyan Express|date=21 March 2016|access-date=29 March 2016}}</ref> |
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|4=[[Petroleum Facilities Guard]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/13468/19/Unity-government-at-last.aspx|title=Unity government at last|access-date=2017-02-28|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428035707/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/13468/19/Unity-government-at-last.aspx|archive-date=28 April 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> |
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|5=[[Tripoli Protection Force]] (from 2018) |
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|6=Misratan Third Force<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.readtru.com/clashes-south-libya-intensify-pro-haftar-forces-third-force/|title=Clashes in south Libya intensify between pro-Haftar forces and Third Force|work=Libyan Express|date=2 January 2017|access-date=14 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505134906/http://www.readtru.com/clashes-south-libya-intensify-pro-haftar-forces-third-force/|archive-date=5 May 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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|8=[[Tuareg militias of Ghat]]<ref name="TuaregToubou" /> |
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|9={{flagicon image|Flag of the Toubou Front for the Salvation of Libya.svg}} [[Toubou Front for the Salvation of Libya]]<ref name="TuaregToubou">{{cite news|url=http://libyaprospect.com/index.php/2016/04/04/tabu-and-tuareg-announce-their-support-for-gna/|title=Tabu and Tuareg announce their support for GNA|work=Libyaprospect|date=4 April 2016|access-date=24 April 2016}}</ref> |
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|10=Chadian rebels ([[Front for the Change and Unity in Chad|FACT]],<ref name="Aberfoyle 1">{{cite web |url=https://www.aberfoylesecurity.com/?p=4010 |title=Rebel or Mercenary? A Profile of Chad's General Mahamat Mahdi Ali |first=Andrew |last=McGregor |work=Aberfoyle International Security |date=7 September 2017 |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-date=6 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043634/https://www.aberfoylesecurity.com/?p=4010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Military Command Council for the Salvation of the Republic|CCMSR]],<ref name="Aberfoyle 1"/> [[Union of Resistance Forces|URF]]<ref name="crisis group 1">{{cite web|url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/central-africa/chad/au-tchad-lincursion-des-rebelles-devoile-les-fragilites-du-pouvoir |title= Rebel Incursion Exposes Chad's Weaknesses |work=Crisis Group |date=13 February 2019 |access-date=16 May 2019}}</ref> and [[Union of Forces for Democracy and Development|UFDD]]<ref name="crisis group 1"/>) |
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}} |
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{{flag|Turkey}} ([[2020 Turkish intervention in Libya|2020]])<ref>{{cite news |title=France's Macron slams Turkey's 'criminal' role in Libya |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/france-macron-slams-turkey-criminal-role-libya-200630090915443.html |work=Al Jazeera |date=30 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=France-Turkey spat over Libya arms exposes NATO's limits |url=https://apnews.com/045a9b8eb0f7eb5adc33d1303fafa95d |work=Associated Press |date=5 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey warns Egypt over Libya and lashes out at Macron's role |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/07/23/world/turkey-warns-egypt-libya-lashes-emmanuel-macrons-role/ |work=Japan Times |date=20 July 2020}}</ref><br/>{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} [[Syrian National Army]] (from 2019)<ref name="Xinhuasyrianrebels">{{Cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/29/c_138664951.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229131630/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/29/c_138664951.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 December 2019|title=300 pro-Turkey Syrian rebels sent to Libya to support UN-backed gov't: watchdog – Xinhua | English.news.cn|website=www.xinhuanet.com}}</ref><br/>{{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Popular Resistance Committees (Yemen)|Popular Resistance Committees]]<ref name="middleeasteye.net">{{Cite web |title=As rumours swirl of Yemenis fighting in Libya, mercenaries enlist to join the war |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemen-turkey-libya-mercenaries-rumours-enlist |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Middle East Monitor">{{Cite news |date=29 June 2020 |title=Libya: 200 Yemen mercenaries arrive to fight on behalf of Turkey |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200629-libya-200-yemen-mercenaries-arrive-to-fight-on-behalf-of-turkey/ |access-date=17 July 2024 |work=Middle East Monitor}}</ref><br />{{flag|Hamas}} (''LNA claim, denied by Hamas'')<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hamas dismisses claims it has fighters in Libya |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/hamas-dismisses-claims-it-has-fighters-in-libya/837416 |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref> |
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{{Collapsible list |
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|title= Support: |
|||
|1= {{flag|Qatar}}<ref name="Qatar">{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2017/03/13/abdulrahman-sewehli-thanks-qatari-emir-for-his-support/|title=Abdulrahman Sewehli thanks Qatari Emir for his support.|date=13 March 2017|access-date=11 August 2017}}</ref> |
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|3= {{flag|Sudan}}<ref name="Sudan">{{cite news|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2017/05/01/sudan-reiterates-support-for-presidency-council-but-concerned-about-darfuri-rebels-in-libya/|title=Sudan reiterates support for Presidency Council but concerned about Darfuri rebels in Libya|date=1 May 2017|access-date=11 August 2017|work=Libya Herald}}</ref> (until 2019) |
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|7= {{flag|Pakistan}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/pakistan-offers-help-train-libyan-army|title=Pakistan offers to help train Libyan Army | The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=7 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407150400/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/pakistan-offers-help-train-libyan-army|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2699126/libyans-fear-rapprochement-between-gna-pakistan|title=Libyans Fear Rapprochement Between GNA, Pakistan|website=Asharq AL-awsat}}</ref> |
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|8= {{flag|Iran}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200617-iran-fm-voices-support-for-turkey-backed-libya-government/|title=Iran FM voices support for Turkey-backed Libya government|work=[[Middle East Monitor]]|date=17 June 2020}}, June 17, 2020</ref> |
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|9= {{flag|Morocco}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://northafricapost.com/35974-morocco-renews-support-to-gna-as-only-legitimate-party-in-libya.html|title=Morocco renews support to GNA as only legitimate party in Libya | The North Africa Post|website=northafricapost.com}}</ref> |
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|10= {{flag|Malta}}<ref name="timesofmalta2020-07-25">{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Ivan |title=Malta teams up with Turkey in an attempt to make Libya stable |url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/malta-teams-up-with-turkey-in-an-attempt-to-make-libya-stable.806733 |work=[[Times of Malta]] |date=25 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725205804/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/malta-teams-up-with-turkey-in-an-attempt-to-make-libya-stable.806733 |archive-date=25 July 2020}}</ref> |
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|11= {{flag|Italy}}<ref name="auto3">{{cite news |title=Di Maio assures Al-Sarraj of Italy's support for GNA and political track |url=http://en.alwasat.ly/news/libya/282431 |access-date=6 May 2020 |publisher=Alwasat |date=6 May 2020 |archive-date=13 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513101652/http://en.alwasat.ly/news/libya/282431 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kington |first=Tom |date=2016-08-11 |title=Italy Reportedly Sends Special Forces to Libya |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2016/08/11/italy-reportedly-sends-special-forces-to-libya/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref> |
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|12= {{flag|European Union}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyanexpress.com/al-serraj-and-mogherini-discuss-more-eu-support-for-gna/|title=Al-Serraj and Mogherini discuss more EU support for GNA|work=Libya Express|date=18 January 2017}}</ref> (except Greece, Cyprus and France) |
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|13= {{flag|United Kingdom}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200418-libya-foreign-ministry-britain-stands-with-gna |title=Libya Foreign Ministry: 'Britain stands with GNA' |date=18 April 2020 |access-date=23 April 2020 |issue=18 April 2020}}</ref> |
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|14= {{flag|United States}} (until 2019) <ref>{{cite web |title=US Ambassador Norland reaffirms partnership with GNA Libya and urges all parties in Libya to support peace. |url=https://twitter.com/USAEmbassyLibya/status/1264952123915190279 |website=Twitter |publisher=U.S. Embassy – Libya |access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=US Ambassador Reaffirms Partnership with GNA, Urges All Parties to Support Peace |url=https://www.facebook.com/236838689712543/posts/3194952647234451/ |website=Facebook |publisher=U.S. Embassy Libya |access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref> |
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|15 = {{flag|Ukraine}}<ref name="newsweek.com">{{Cite web |last1=Security |first1=Jack Moore International |last2=Correspondent |first2=Terrorism |date=2015-02-06 |title=Rival Libyan Factions Travel to Kiev and Moscow Seeking Support |url=https://www.newsweek.com/rival-libyan-factions-travel-kiev-and-moscow-seeking-support-304879 |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref> |
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|16 = {{flag|United Nations}} |
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}} |
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---- |
---- |
||
{{Flagicon |Libya}} '''[[National Salvation Government]]'''<br />(2014–2017)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-libya-security-politics-idUKKCN0X22MD|title=Libya's self-declared National Salvation government stepping down|first=Ahmed|last=Elumami|newspaper=Reuters|date=5 April 2016|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/02/libya-army-spokesman-egypt-unite-elections-hifter.html|title=Can Cairo talks succeed in uniting Libya's divided armed forces?|first=George|last=Mikhail|date=15 February 2018|publisher=Al Monitor}}</ref> |
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*[[Zintan Brigade|Zintani brigades]]<ref name="Warshefana-Zintanis seize Camp 27"/> |
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* [[File:Libya Shield Force.png|20px]] [[Libya Shield Force]]<ref name="dawn">{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/alarabiya-studies/2014/08/25/Libyan-Dawn-Map-of-allies-and-enemies.html |title=Libyan Dawn: Map of allies and enemies|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=25 August 2014 |access-date=25 August 2014}}</ref> |
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**Airport Security Battalion |
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* [[Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room|LROR]]<ref name="dawn" /> |
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* Libyan National Guard<ref name="Aziziya Clashes">{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/03/21/lna-targets-tripoli-and-zuwara-but-pulls-back-troops-in-aziziya-area/#axzz3V7Q4Daou|title=LNA targets Tripoli and Zuwara but pulls back troops in Aziziya area|work=Libya Herald|date=21 March 2015|access-date=22 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/lyobserver/posts/668024193302664|title=Libya Observer|website=[[Facebook]]|date=10 March 2015|access-date=22 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2017/04/16/ghwells-libyan-national-guard-militia-joining-fighting-in-south/|date=16 April 2017|publisher=Libya Herald|title=Ghwell's Libyan National Guard militia joining fighting in south}}</ref> |
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{{Collapsible list |
|||
|title= Support: |
|||
|1= {{flag|Sudan}} (2014–16)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thecairopost.com/news/143075/news/sudan-militarily-backs-libyan-rebels-bashir-to-youm7|title=Sudan militarily backs Libyan rebels: Bashir to Youm7|date=23 March 2015|access-date=24 March 2015|work=The Cairo Post|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615142541/http://www.thecairopost.com/news/143075/news/sudan-militarily-backs-libyan-rebels-bashir-to-youm7|archive-date=15 June 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Sudan"/> |
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|2= {{flag|Turkey}} (2014–16)<ref name="egyptuae">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/26/world/africa/egypt-and-united-arab-emirates-said-to-have-secretly-carried-out-libya-airstrikes.html |title=Egypt and United Arab Emirates Said to Have Secretly Carried Out Libya Airstrikes |work=The New York Times|date=25 August 2014 |access-date=25 August 2014|author1-link=David D. Kirkpatrick |last1=Kirkpatrick |first1=David D |last2=Schmitt |first2=Eric}}</ref><ref name="Turkey">{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/libya-turkey-agree-resuming-signed-security-training-programs|title=Libya, Turkey agree on resuming signed security training programs|date=25 May 2017|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102211737/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/libya-turkey-agree-resuming-signed-security-training-programs|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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|3= {{flag|Qatar}} (2014–16)<ref name="egyptuae" /><ref name="Qatar"/> |
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|4= {{flag|Iran}}<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Libya Herald]]|date=22 June 2017|title=LNA's Mismari accuses Sudan, Qatar and Iran of backing terrorism in Libya|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2017/06/22/lnas-mismari-accuses-sudan-qatar-and-iran-of-backing-terrorism-in-libya/}}</ref> (''allegedly'') |
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|5= {{flag|Ukraine}}<ref name="newsweek.com">{{Cite web |last1=Security |first1=Jack Moore International |last2=Correspondent |first2=Terrorism |date=2015-02-06 |title=Rival Libyan Factions Travel to Kiev and Moscow Seeking Support |url=https://www.newsweek.com/rival-libyan-factions-travel-kiev-and-moscow-seeking-support-304879 |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref> |
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}} |
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| combatant4 = {{flagdeco|Islamic State}} '''[[Islamic State]]'''<br /> (from 2014)<ref name="Derna">{{cite web|url=http://www.cp24.com/world/libyan-city-declares-itself-part-of-islamic-state-caliphate-1.2093900|title=Libyan city declares itself part of Islamic State caliphate|work=CP24|date=9 November 2014|access-date=29 January 2015}}</ref> |
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* [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya|Wilayat Barqa]]<ref name="spiegel.de">{{cite web|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/islamic-state-expanding-into-north-africa-a-1003525.html|title=Islamic State Expanding into North Africa|place=Hamburg, [[Germany|DE]]|date=18 November 2014|work=Der Spiegel|access-date=25 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="ISIS comes to Libya">{{cite news|title=ISIS comes to Libya |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/18/world/isis-libya/ |access-date=20 November 2014 |publisher=CNN|date=18 November 2014}}</ref> |
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* [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya|Wilayat Tarabulus]]<ref name=nytimes14feb15 /> |
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* [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya|Wilayat Fezzan]]<ref name=nytimes14feb15>{{cite news|title=Islamic State Sprouting Limbs Beyond Its Base|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/world/middleeast/islamic-state-sprouting-limbs-beyond-mideast.html?_r=1|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=14 February 2015|access-date=13 March 2015|first1=Eric|last1=Schmitt|first2=David D.|last2=Kirkpatrick}}</ref> |
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{{Collapsible list |
|||
|title= Support: |
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|1= {{flagicon image|AQMI Flag asymmetric.svg}} [[Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb|AQIM]] (2014–2015;<ref name="Stanford">{{cite web|title=Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb|url=https://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/65|publisher=Stanford University|date=1 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/07/aqim-declaration-support-isis-syria-maghreb.html|title=Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb backs ISIS|date=2 July 2014|publisher=Al Monitor|access-date=22 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311212809/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/07/aqim-declaration-support-isis-syria-maghreb.html|archive-date=11 March 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> alleged in 2016<ref>{{cite news|title=ISIS, Al Qaeda In Africa: US Commander Warns Of Collaboration Between AQIM And Islamic State Group|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/isis-al-qaeda-africa-us-commander-warns-collaboration-between-aqim-islamic-state-2304240|work=International Business Times|date=12 February 2016}}</ref>) |
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}} |
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---- |
---- |
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{{Flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb]]<br /> (2014–2017)<ref name="longwarjournal1">{{cite web|url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/03/american-forces-kill-senior-al-qaeda-leader-in-libya.php|title=American forces kill senior al Qaeda leader in Libya |work=Long War Journal|date=28 March 2018|publisher=28 March 2018|author=Bill Roggio and Alexandra Gutowski}}</ref><br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} '''[[Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries|Shura Council of<br />Benghazi Revolutionaries]]'''<br /> (2014–2017)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=1795827 |title=٢٨ قتيلا من قوات الصاعقة ببنغازى منذ بدء الاشتباكات مع أنصار الشريعة |trans-title=Twenty-eight Al-Saiqa fighters killed in Benghazi since the beginning of clashes with Ansar al-Sharia |publisher=[[Youm7]] |date=29 July 2014 |access-date=26 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802162940/http://www1.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=1795827 |archive-date=2 August 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alarabonline.org/?id=29011 |title=تدهور الوضع الأمني في بنغازي وطرابلس نذير حرب جديدة |trans-title=Worsening of security in Benghazi and Tripoli as new war approaches |publisher=[[Al-Arab]] |date=27 July 2014 |access-date=26 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809025344/http://www.alarabonline.org/?id=29011 |archive-date=9 August 2014}}</ref><br>{{Collapsible list |
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*[[Khamis Brigade]] |
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|title= SCBR<br />militia: |
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*Warshefana tribal militia<ref name="Warshefana-Zintanis seize Camp 27"/> |
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|1= {{flagicon image|Flag of Ansar al-Sharia (Libya).svg}} [[Ansar al-Sharia (Libya)|Ansar al-Sharia]]<br />(2014–2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security/libyan-islamist-group-ansar-al-sharia-says-it-is-dissolving-idUSKBN18N0YR|title=Libyan Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia says it is dissolving|date=27 May 2017|publisher=Reuters|access-date=21 October 2017}}</ref> |
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|2= [[Libya Shield 1]]<br />(2014–16) |
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|3= [[Rafallah al-Sahati Brigade]] |
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}} |
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{{Collapsible list |
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|title= Others: |
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|1={{flagicon|Libya}} [[Benghazi Defense Brigades]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/libyan-revolutionary-factions-form-defend-benghazi-brigades|title=Libyan revolutionary factions form Defend Benghazi Brigades|work=The Libya Observer|date=2 June 2016|access-date=14 August 2016|archive-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603140324/http://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/libyan-revolutionary-factions-form-defend-benghazi-brigades|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyanexpress.com/benghazi-defense-brigades-advance-toward-benghazi/|title=Benghazi Defense Brigades advance toward Benghazi|work=Libyan Express|date=16 July 2016|access-date=14 August 2016}}</ref> |
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|2={{flagicon image|Variant flag of the Islamic State.svg}} [[Ajdabiya Revolutionaries Shura Council]] (2015–16)<ref>{{cite web|title=Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb says Mokhtar Belmokhtar is 'alive and well'|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/06/al-qaeda-in-the-islamic-maghreb-says-mokhtar-belmokhtar-is-alive-and-well.php|website=The Long War Journal|date=19 June 2015|access-date=1 July 2015}}</ref> |
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|3={{flagicon|Libya}} [[Derna Protection Force]]}} |
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| commander1 = {{flagicon|Libya}} [[Aguila Saleh Issa]]<br />(President of [[House of Representatives (Libya)|House of Representatives]])<br />{{flagicon|Libya}} [[Abdullah al-Thani]]<br />([[Prime Minister]])<ref>[[Abdullah al-Thani|Libya Prime Minister]]</ref><br />{{flagicon image|Flag of The Libyan National Army (Variant).svg}} [[Khalifa Haftar]]<br />(High Commander of the ''[[Libyan National Army|LNA]]'')<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of The Libyan National Army (Variant).svg}} [[Abdulrazek al-Nadoori]] (Chief of the General Staff of the [[Libyan National Army|LNA]]) <br />{{Flagicon image|Libyan Special Forces Emblem.svg}} [[Wanis Abu Khamada]]<br />(Commander of [[Libyan Special Forces]])<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan Ground Forces.svg}} [[Almabrook Suhban]]<br />(Chief of Staff of the [[Libyan Ground Forces]])<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan Air Force.svg}} [[Saqr Geroushi]]<br />(Chief of Staff of the [[Libyan Air Force]]) (LNA-aligned)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan Navy.svg}} [[Faraj al-Mahdawi]]<br />(Chief of Staff of the [[Libyan Navy]]) (LNA-aligned)<br />{{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Saif al-Islam Gaddafi]]<br />(Candidate for President of Libya)<br />{{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Tayeb El-Safi]]<br />(leader of [[Libyan Popular National Movement]]) <br />[[Aladdin Meier]]<br />(political secretary) |
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| commander2 = {{flagicon|Libya}} [[Fayez al-Sarraj]]<br />(Chairman of the Presidential Council and Prime minister)<br />{{flagicon|Libya}} [[Fathi Bashagha]]<br />(Minister of Interior)<br />{{flagicon|Libya}} [[Salah Eddine al-Namrush]]<br />(Minister of Defence)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan National Army.svg}} [[Mohammad Ali al-Haddad]]<br />(Chief of the General Staff of the [[Libyan Armed Forces|Libyan Army]])<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan Navy.svg}} [[Abdul Hakim Abu Hawliyeh]] (Chief of the [[Libyan Navy]]) (GNA-aligned)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan Navy.svg}} [[Rida Issa]] (Commander of Libyan Navy) (GNA-aligned)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan National Army.svg}} [[Osama Juwaili]]<br />(Commander of the Western Military Zone)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan National Army.svg}} [[Abubaker Marwan]]<br />(Commander of Tripoli Military Zone)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan National Army.svg}} [[Mohamed Elhadad]]<br />(Commander of the Central Military Zone)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan National Army.svg}} [[Ali Kanna]]<br />(Commander of the Southern Military Zone) |
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---- |
---- |
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{{flagicon|Libya}} [[Nouri Abusahmain]] (2014–16)<br />(President of the [[General National Congress (2014)|GNC]])<br />{{flagicon|Libya}} [[Khalifa al-Ghawil]] (2015–2017)<br />([[Prime Minister]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/04/02/hassi-change-his-mind-hands-over-to-ghwell/#axzz3cZfYc7vX|title=Hassi changes his mind, hands over to Ghwell|work=Libya Herald|date=2 April 2015|access-date=9 June 2015}}</ref><br />{{flagicon|Libya}} [[Sadiq Al-Ghariani]]<br />([[Grand Mufti]]) |
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'''Supported by:''' |
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| commander4 = {{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Abu Nabil al-Anbari]]{{KIA}} (Top ISIL leader in Libya)<ref>{{cite web |title=Islamic State leadership in Libya |url=http://themaghrebinote.com/2015/04/22/islamicstateleadershiplibya/ |website=TheMagrebiNote |date=22 April 2015 |access-date=2 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702024822/http://themaghrebinote.com/2015/04/22/islamicstateleadershiplibya/ |archive-date=2 July 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=defense>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/633221/statement-from-pentagon-press-secretary-peter-cook-on-nov-13-airstrike-in-libya?source=GovDelivery |title=Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Nov. 13 airstrike in Libya |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |date=Dec 7, 2015 |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref><br />{{flagdeco|Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant}} Abu Hudhayfah al-Muhajir<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/12/pentagon-islamic-state-has-lost-its-safe-haven-in-sirte-libya.php|title=Pentagon: Islamic State has lost its safe haven in Sirte, Libya|first=Thomas|last=Joscelyn|work=Long War Journal|date=7 December 2016|access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref><br />(ISIL governor of Wilayat Tripolitania) |
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*{{flag|Egypt}}<ref name="egyptuae">{{cite web | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/26/world/africa/egypt-and-united-arab-emirates-said-to-have-secretly-carried-out-libya-airstrikes.html | title=Egypt and United Arab Emirates Said to Have Secretly Carried Out Libya Airstrikes | publisher=The New York Times | date=August 25, 2014 | accessdate=August 25, 2014 | author=[[David D. Kirkpatrick|D. Kirkpatrick, David]]; Schmitt, Eric}}</ref><ref>http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/28/egypt-prepared-to-take-lead-in-ensuring-stability-in-libya/</ref><br><small></small> |
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*{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}<ref name="egyptuae"/> |
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*{{flag|South African Republic}} |
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|combatant2={{Flagicon|Libya}} [[Self-proclaimed General National Congress|Islamist politicians]]<br/> |
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*[[Libya Shield Force]] |
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---- |
---- |
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{{flagicon image|Flag of Ansar al-Sharia (Libya).svg}} Abu Khalid al Madani{{KIA}}<br />(Ansar al-Sharia Leader)<ref>{{cite web |title=Ansar al Sharia Libya fights on under new leader |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/06/ansar-al-sharia-libya-fights-on-under-new-leader.php |website=The Long War Journal |date=30 June 2015 |access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref><br /> |
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{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www1.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=1795827#.U93Chx-ZSb9 | title=٢٨ قتيلا من قوات الصاعقة ببنغازى منذ بدء الاشتباكات مع أنصار الشريعة [Twenty-eight Al-Saiqa fighters killed in Benghazi since the beginning of clashes with Ansar al-Sharia] | publisher=[[Youm7]] | date=July 29, 2014 | accessdate=August 26, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.alarabonline.org/?id=29011 | title=تدهور الوضع الأمني في بنغازي وطرابلس نذير حرب جديدة [Worsening of security in Benghazi and Tripoli as new war approaches] | publisher=[[Al-Arab]] | date=July 27, 2014 | accessdate=August 26, 2014}}</ref> |
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{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Mokhtar Belmokhtar]]<br />(Commander of [[Al-Mourabitoun (jihadist group)|Al-Mourabitoun]], believed dead)<ref>{{cite web|title=Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb says Mokhtar Belmokhtar is 'alive and well' |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/06/al-qaeda-in-the-islamic-maghreb-says-mokhtar-belmokhtar-is-alive-and-well.php |website=The Long War Journal |date=19 June 2015 |access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref><br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Musa Abu Dawud{{KIA}} (AQIM southern Zone commander)<ref name="longwarjournal1"/> |
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*[[Ansar al-Sharia (Libya)|Ansar al-Sharia]] |
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{{flagicon image|Flag of Ansar al-Sharia (Libya).svg}} Mohamed al-Zahawi{{KIA}}<ref name="al-Zahawi">{{cite news|title=Leader of Libyan Islamists Ansar al-Sharia dies of wounds|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-idUSKBN0KW1MU20150123|publisher=Reuters|date=23 January 2015|access-date=23 January 2015}}</ref><br />(Former Ansar al-Sharia Leader)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Ateyah Al-Shaari]] [[Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna|DMSC]] / [[Derna Protection Force|DPF]] leader<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Wissam Ben Hamid{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2017/01/06/wissam-ben-hamid-dead-says-arrested-ansar-spokesman-13-militants-reported-to-have-blown-themselves-up/|title=Wissam Ben Hamid dead says arrested Ansar spokesman; 13 militants reported to have blown themselves up|date=6 January 2017 |work=Libyan Herald |access-date=4 February 2017}}</ref><br />(Libya Shield 1 Commander)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Salim Derby{{KIA}}<br />(Commander of [[Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade]])<ref>{{cite news|title=Islamists clash in Derna, Abu Sleem leader reported killed|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/10/islamists-clash-in-derna-abu-sleem-commander-wounded-possibly-killed/#axzz3ckcj48tF|work=Libya Herald|date=10 June 2015|access-date=11 June 2015}}</ref> |
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*[[Libya Shield 1]] |
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| strength1 = |
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*[[February 17th Martyrs Brigade]] |
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| strength2 = |
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*[[Rafallah al-Sahati Brigade]] |
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| strength3 = |
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---- |
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| strength4 = |
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{{Flagicon|Libya}} Libya Dawn coalition |
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| casualties1 = |
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*[[Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room]] |
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| casualties2 = |
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*[[Libya Shield Force|Central Shield]] Misrata brigades |
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| casualties3 = |
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---- |
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| casualties4 = |
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'''Supported by:''' |
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| casualties5 = 14,882+ killed (2014–2018, 2019–2020, incomplete)<ref name="Body Count"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/4068-casualties-recorded-libya-2017-human-rights-solidarity-reports|title=4068 casualties recorded in Libya in 2017, Human Rights Solidarity reports|author=Safa Alharathy|work=The Libya Observer|date=1 May 2018|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119055221/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/4068-casualties-recorded-libya-2017-human-rights-solidarity-reports|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/human-rights-solidarity-about-4000-people-were-victims-armed-fighting-libya-2018|title=Human Rights Solidarity: About 4000 people were victims of armed fighting in Libya in 2018|work=The Libya Observer|access-date=12 February 2019|archive-date=9 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709162650/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/human-rights-solidarity-about-4000-people-were-victims-armed-fighting-libya-2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="casualties">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/14/libyan-warlord-haftar-leaves-moscow-without-signing-ceasefire-deal|title=Libyan warlord Haftar leaves Moscow without signing ceasefire deal|author=Patrick Wintour|date=14 January 2020|access-date=19 January 2022|agency=The Guardian}}<br />{{cite web|url=https://unsmil.unmissions.org/one-year-destructive-war-libya-unsmil-renews-calls-immediate-cessation-hostilities-and-unity-combat|title=ONE YEAR OF DESTRUCTIVE WAR IN LIBYA, UNSMIL RENEWS CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES AND UNITY TO COMBAT COVID-19|publisher=United Nations Support Mission in Libya|date=4 April 2020|access-date=19 January 2022}}<br />{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sgsm20166.doc.htm|title=Negotiated Solution in Libya Crucial as Foreign Interference Grows, Thousands Flee Homes, Secretary-General Warns Security Council, Stressing Time 'Not on Our Side'|publisher=United Nations|date=8 July 2020|access-date=19 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hrsly.com/en/human-rights-solidarity-published-the-annual-report-on-the-victims-of-armed-clashes-in-libya-during-the-year-2020/#:~:text=the%20year%202020-,Human%20Rights%20Solidarity%20published%20the%20annual%20report%20on%20the%20Victims,Libya%20during%20the%20year%202020.&text=According%20to%20the%20report%2C%20of,were%20771%2C%20including%2090%20children.|title=Human Rights Solidarity published the annual report on the Victims of Armed Clashes in Libya during the year 2020|publisher=Human Rights Solidarity|date=21 February 2021|access-date=19 January 2022}}</ref> |
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*{{flag|Qatar}}<ref name="egyptuae"/> |
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| notes = |
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*{{flag|Turkey}}<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/26/world/africa/egypt-and-united-arab-emirates-said-to-have-secretly-carried-out-libya-airstrikes.html</ref> |
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| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox 2014–2020 Libyan Civil War}} {{Campaignbox Libyan Crisis (2011–present)}} |
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---- |
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}} |
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|commander1={{Flagicon|Libya}} Gen. [[Khalifa Haftar]]<br><small>(Commander of the Libyan National Army)</small><br> |
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{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan National Army.svg}} Col. [[Wanis Abu Khamada]]<br><small>(Commander of Libya's Special Forces)</small><br> |
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{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan Air Force.svg}} Brig. Gen. [[Saqr Geroushi]]<br><small>(Commander of Operation Dignity Air Force Units)</small><br> |
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{{Flagicon image|Flag of Frolinat.svg}} [[Khamis Gaddafi]]<br><small> (Commander of the Khamis Brigade)</small><br> |
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|commander2={{Flagicon|Libya}} [[Nouri Abusahmain]]<br><small>([[List of heads of state of Libya|President of the GNC]], disputed)</small><br> |
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{{Flagicon|Libya}} [[Omar al-Hasi]]<br><small>([[Prime Minister]], disputed)</small><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/26/us-libya-security-idUSKBN0GP0NZ20140826 | title=Rival second Libyan assembly chooses own PM as chaos spreads | publisher=Reuters | date=August 25, 2014 | accessdate=August 26, 2014 | author=Bosalum, Fares; Laessing, Ulf}}</ref><br> |
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{{Flagicon|Libya}} [[Sadiq Al-Ghariani]]<br><small>([[Grand Mufti]])</small><br> |
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{{flagicon image|Flag of Ansar al-Sharia (Libya).svg}} [[Mohamed al-Zahawi]]<br><small>(Ansar al-Sharia Leader)</small><br> |
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{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Wissam Ben Hamid]]<br><small>(Libya Shield 1 Commander)</small><br> |
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{{flagicon image|Flag of Libya.svg}} [[Mohammed Hadia]]<br><small>(Operation Libya Dawn Commander)<ref name="BBC 27Aug Resolution"/></small><br> |
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{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Joint Operations Room of Libya’s Revolutionaries.svg}} [[Shaaban Hadia]]<br><small>(LROR Commander)</small><br> |
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{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Joint Operations Room of Libya’s Revolutionaries.svg}} [[Adel Gharyani]]<br><small>(LROR Commander)</small> |
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|commander3={{Flagicon image|Flag of Frolinat.svg}} [[Khamees Veynadeel]]<br><small> (Veynadeel Division Commander)</small><br> |
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|strength1= |
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|strength2= |
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|casualties3=1,283 killed<ref name="Body Count">{{cite web|publisher=Libya Body Count|url= http://www.libyabodycount.org/table|title=Violent Deaths in 2014|accessdate=September 2, 2014}}</ref> |
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|notes= |
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|campaignbox=}} |
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{{Campaignbox 2011–present Libyan factional fighting}} |
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The '''Libyan Civil War''' of 2014 is an ongoing low-level [[civil war]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/27/libya-western-citizens-leave-civil-war | title=Libya: western countries urge citizens to leave as civil war intensifies | publisher=The Guardian | date=July 27, 2014 | accessdate=August 19, 2014 | author=Stephen, Chris}} {{cite web | url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/libya-civil-war-royal-navy-3972105 | title=Libya civil war: Royal Navy evacuates more than 100 Britons as Embassy closes | publisher=Daily Mirror | date=August 3, 2014 | accessdate=August 19, 2014 | author=Lyons, James; White, Stephen}} {{cite web | url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/migrants-flee-libyas-new-civil-war-1361768166 | title=Traffickers cash in on Libya's new civil war | publisher=Middle East Eye | date=August 4, 2014 | accessdate=August 19, 2014 | author=Porsia, Nancy}}</ref><ref name="British diplomats attacked"/><ref name="Indians leave Libya">{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Amid-Civil-War-Stranded-Indians-Begin-to-Leave-Libya/2014/07/30/article2355270.ece | title=Amid Civil War, Stranded Indians Begin to Leave Libya | publisher=The New Indian Express | date=July 30, 2014 | accessdate=August 19, 2014}}</ref> mainly between Islamist forces and their opponents. |
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At the beginning of 2014, Libya was governed by the [[General National Congress]] (GNC). Islamists had controlled the assembly since having [[Nouri Abusahmain]] elected president of the GNC in June 2013.<ref name="transitions.foreignpolicy.com">{{cite web | url=http://transitions.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2013/06/26/can_the_new_libyan_president_live_up_to_expectations | title=Can the New Libyan President Live Up to Expectations? | publisher=Foreign Policy | date=June 26, 2013 | accessdate=August 26, 2014 | author=Eljarh, Mohamed}}</ref><ref name="america.aljazeera.com">{{cite web | url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/8/4/libya-parliamentmeets.html | title=Libya's new parliament meets amid rumbling violence | publisher=Aljazeera America | date=August 4, 2014 | accessdate=August 26, 2014}}</ref> He abused his powers to suppress debates and inquiries.<ref name="John, Ronald Bruce 2014 p. 201">St John, Ronald Bruce (4 June 2014). Historical Dictionary of Libya. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 201.</ref> The GNC voted to enforce [[sharia law]] in December 2013<ref name="reuters.com">{{cite web | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/04/us-libya-law-idUSBRE9B30M220131204 | title=Libyan assembly votes to follow Islamic law | publisher=Reuters | date=December 4, 2013 | accessdate=August 26, 2014 | author=Bosalum, Feras; Markey, Patrick}}</ref> and failed to stand down at the end of its electoral mandate in January 2014, unilaterally extending its power. On 14 February 2014, General [[Khalifa Haftar]] ordered the GNC to dissolve and called for the formation of a [[caretaker government]] committee to oversee new elections. The GNC ignored his demands. |
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The conflict began two months later, on 16 May 2014, when forces loyal to General Haftar launched a large scale air and ground offensive codenamed '''Operation Dignity''' ({{lang-ar|عملية الكرامة}}; 'Amaliya al-Karamah) against Islamist armed groups in [[Benghazi]]. Two days later, Haftar's forces tried to dissolve the [[General National Congress]] (GNC) in [[Tripoli]]. The conflict prevented the GNC from blocking new elections on 25 June 2014. These elections appointed the [[Council of Deputies]] to replace the GNC. In these elections, Islamists suffered an overwhelming electoral defeat. The conflict escalated on 13 July when Islamists, reacting to the landslide electoral defeat of Islamist politicians, launched '''Operation Libya Dawn''' to seize [[Tripoli International Airport]], finally capturing it on 23 August after forty-one days of fighting. |
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The '''Libyan civil war (2014–2020)''', also known as the '''Second Libyan Civil War''', was a multilateral civil war which was fought in [[Libya]] among a number of armed groups, but mainly the [[House of Representatives (Libya)|House of Representatives]] (HoR) and the [[Government of National Accord]] (GNA), for six years from 2014 to 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.conflict-news.com/libyas-second-civil-war-how-did-it-come-to-this/ |title=Libya's Second Civil War: How did it come to this? |work=Conflict News |access-date=22 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320232806/http://www.conflict-news.com/libyas-second-civil-war-how-did-it-come-to-this/ |archive-date=20 March 2015}}<br />{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/02/24/national-post-view-stabilizing-libya-may-be-the-best-way-to-keep-europe-safe/|title=National Post View: Stabilizing Libya may be the best way to keep Europe safe|author=National Post View|date=24 February 2015|work=National Post|access-date=22 March 2015}}</ref> |
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On 25 August, former members of the GNC who were not re-elected in 2014 [[self-proclaimed GNC|reconvened and voted]] that they would replace the newly elected [[Council of Deputies]]. |
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The [[General National Congress]] (GNC), based in western Libya and backed by various militias with some support from [[Qatar]] and [[Turkey]],<ref name="guardianbriefing">{{cite news|last1=Stephen|first1=Chris|date=29 August 2014|title=War in Libya – The Guardian briefing|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/29/-sp-briefing-war-in-libya|access-date=19 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/2014/10/06/libya-s-legitimacy-crisis/hr9j |title=Libya's Legitimacy Crisis |publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|date=20 August 2014|access-date=6 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21638123-four-year-descent-arab-spring-factional-chaos-it-should-come|title=That it should come to this |newspaper=The Economist|date=10 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/123755/World/Region/Bashir-says-Sudan-to-work-with-UAE-to-control-figh.aspx|work=Al-Ahram Online|title=Bashir says Sudan to work with UAE to control fighting in Libya|date=23 February 2015|access-date=24 March 2015}}</ref>{{Excessive citations inline|date=April 2023}} initially accepted the results of the 2014 election, but rejected them after the Supreme Constitutional Court nullified an amendment regarding the roadmap for Libya's transition and HoR elections.<sup>[[House of Representatives (Libya)#cite note-:0-13|[13]]]</sup> The House of Representatives (or Council of Deputies) is in control of eastern and central Libya and has the loyalty of the [[Libyan National Army]] (LNA), and has been supported by airstrikes by [[Egypt]] and the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]].<ref name="guardianbriefing" /> Due to controversy about constitutional amendments, HoR refused to take office from GNC in Tripoli,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libya-analysis.com/libyan-elections/|title=Libyan Unity Government Extends Control Over Tripoli Ministries|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308221758/http://www.libya-analysis.com/libyan-elections|archive-date=8 March 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> which was controlled by armed Islamist groups from [[Misrata]]. Instead, HoR established its parliament in Tobruk, which is controlled by General Haftar's forces. In December 2015, the [[Libyan Political Agreement]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=52845#.VyJoBKMrLKI|title=UN welcomes 'historic' signing of Libyan Political Agreement|date=17 December 2015|publisher=UN}}</ref> was signed after talks in [[Skhirat]], as the result of protracted negotiations between rival political camps based in Tripoli, Tobruk, and elsewhere which agreed to unite as the internationally recognised [[Government of National Accord]] (GNA). On 30 March 2016, [[Fayez Sarraj]], the head of GNA, arrived in Tripoli and began working from there despite opposition from GNC.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/30/chief-libyas-un-backed-government-fayez-sarraj-arrives-tripoli|title=Chief of Libya's new UN-backed government arrives in Tripoli|last=Stephen|first=Chris|date=30 March 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=28 December 2018}}</ref> |
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On September 5th, Khamis Gaddafi was discovered on Shaybelaen Road in Tajura, Gloating about his forces' crushing of the Zliten Uprising on June 10th, 2011. He announced his support of Mahmoud Jibril and declared himself Libyan Minister of Defence, offering 24 billion dinars yearly to the first one million libyans to occupy Tajura and Misrata. He has adopted the [[FROLINAT]] Flag in order to appease "1966" Libya, citing the current flag will always be vulnerable to a coup. |
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In addition to those three factions, there are: the Islamist [[Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries]], led by [[Ansar al-Sharia (Libya)|Ansar al-Sharia]], which had the support of the GNC and was [[Battle of Benghazi (2014–2017)|defeated]] in [[Benghazi]] in 2017;<ref name="Benghazi">{{cite news|date=1 August 2014|work=The International Business Times |title=Ansar Al-Sharia Claims Control Of Benghazi, Declares Islamic Emirate In Libya|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/ansar-al-sharia-claims-control-benghazi-declares-islamic-emirate-libya-1645328}}<br />{{cite news |newspaper=The Star |date=31 October 2014 |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/World/2014/10/31/Libyan-army-says-recaptures-four-barracks-in-Benghazi/ |title=Libyan army says recaptures four barracks in Benghazi}}</ref><ref name="stronghold">{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-12/29/c_136858201.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228234515/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-12/29/c_136858201.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 December 2017|title=Libyan army takes over remaining militant stronghold in Benghazi|agency=Xinhua News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/11/18/omar-al-hassi-in-beautiful-ansar-row-while-100-gnc-members-meet/#axzz3cnd2kDDR |title=Omar Al-Hassi in "beautiful" Ansar row while "100" GNC members meet |work=Libya Herald |date=18 November 2014 |access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref> the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's (ISIL's) Libyan provinces]];<ref>{{cite web |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/03/06/libya-civil-war-tobruk-un-negotiations-morocco/ |title=Why Picking Sides in Libya won't work |work=Foreign Policy|date=6 March 2015}} "One is the internationally recognized government based in the eastern city of Tobruk and its military wing, Operation Dignity, led by General Khalifa Haftar. The other is the Tripoli government installed by the Libya Dawn coalition, which combines Islamist militias with armed groups from the city of Misrata. The Islamic State has recently established itself as a third force"</ref> the [[Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna]] which expelled ISIL from [[Derna, Libya|Derna]] in July 2015 and was later itself defeated in Derna by the Tobruk government in 2018;<ref name="ISIL expelled from Derna">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-islamic-state-driven-out-derna-stronghold-by-al-qaeda-linked-militia-1506241|title=Isis in Libya: Islamic State driven out of Derna stronghold by al-Qaeda-linked militia|work=International Business Times UK|date=15 June 2015|access-date=4 July 2015}}</ref> as well as other armed groups and militias whose allegiances often change.<ref name="guardianbriefing" /> |
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==Partisan viewpoints on the conflict== |
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Haftar and his supporters describe Operation Dignity as a "correction to the path of [[Libyan Revolution|the revolution]]" and a "[[war on terrorism]]".<ref>{{cite news|date=February 14, 2014|url= http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/02/14/general-hafter-announces-coup-politicians-react-with-scorn-order-his-arrest/#axzz2tIQINLHq|title=General Hafter announces coup; politicians react with scorn, order his arrest|newspaper=[[Libya Herald]]|accessdate=May 21, 2014|archivedate=February 21, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140221182322/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/02/14/general-hafter-announces-coup-politicians-react-with-scorn-order-his-arrest/#axzz2tIQINLHq |deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/05/20/a-qa-with-khalifa-hifter-the-mastermind-behind-libyas-new-revolt/|author=Sharif Abdel Kouddous|title=A Q&A with Khalifa Hifter, the mastermind behind Libya's new revolt|date=May 20, 2014|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|accessdate=May 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author= Sharif Abdel Kouddous|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/crisis-deepens-in-libya-between-islamists-and-renegade-general/2014/05/20/ebe24378-e023-11e3-9743-bb9b59cde7b9_story.html |accessdate=May 21, 2014|title=Leader of Libya’s revolt, Khalifa Hifter, rules out negotiations and vows to fight|date=May 20, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> The elected parliament has declared Haftar's enemies are "terrorists".<ref name="bbc.co.uk">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-28916417</ref> Opponents of Haftar and the elected government claim he is attempting a [[coup]]. Islamist militia group [[Ansar al-Sharia (Libya)|Ansar al-Sharia]] (linked to the [[2012 Benghazi attack]]) has denounced Haftar's campaign as a western-backed "[[War against Islam|war on Islam]]"<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=July 30, 2014|url= http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21603508-stage-set-lengthy-struggle-power-drawing-battle-lines|title=Libya: Drawing the battle lines|newspaper=The Economist|date=June 7, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140713063007/http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21603508-stage-set-lengthy-struggle-power-drawing-battle-lines|archivedate=July 13, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> and has declared the establishment of the "Islamic Emirate of Benghazi". |
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In May 2016, GNA and GNC launched a [[Battle of Sirte (2016)|joint offensive]] to capture areas in and around [[Sirte]] from ISIL. This offensive resulted in ISIL losing control of all significant territories previously held in Libya.<ref name="auto2">{{cite news|title=Attack on Sirte "imminent" says Presidency Council's new Operations Room|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2016/05/07/attack-in-sirte-imminent-says-presidency-councils-new-operations-room/|access-date=7 May 2016|work=Libya Herald|date=7 May 2016}}<br />{{cite news|title=Central Region Joint Operations Room announces all-out war on ISIS in Sirte|url=http://www.libyanexpress.com/central-region-joint-operations-room-announces-all-out-war-isis-in-sirte/|access-date=7 May 2016|work=Libyan Express|date=7 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="OffensiveSeized">{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2016/05/16/misratans-report-they-have-recaptured-abu-grein-from-is/|work=Libya Herald|title=Misratans report they have recaptured Abu Grain from IS|access-date=16 May 2016|date=16 May 2016}}<br />{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/06/libyan-forces-retake-port-isil-bastion-sirte-160611131347272.html|title=Freed Gaddafi loyalists found dead in Libya's Tripoli|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=12 June 2016|access-date=24 June 2016}}<br />{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-idUSKCN0YL1V0|title=Libyan security forces pushing Islamic State back from vicinity of oil terminals|publisher=Reuters|access-date=2016-05-31|date=2016-05-31}}<br />{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/al-bunyan-al-marsoos-captures-harawa-district-says-will-free-sirte-two-days|title=Al-Bunyan Al-Marsoos captures Harawa district, says will free Sirte in two days|work=The Libya Observer|access-date=2016-12-07|date=2016-06-09|archive-date=28 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628154212/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/al-bunyan-al-marsoos-captures-harawa-district-says-will-free-sirte-two-days|url-status=dead}}<br />{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN13V15R|title=Libyan forces clear last Islamic State hold-out in Sirte|date=6 December 2016|work=Reuters|access-date=6 December 2016}}<br />{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/africa/2016/12/06/libyan-forces-seize-last-daesh-positions-in-sirte|title=Libyan forces seize last Daesh positions in Sirte|work=Daily Sabah|date=6 December 2016|access-date=6 December 2016}}</ref> Later in 2016, forces loyal to [[Khalifa al-Ghawil]] attempted [[2016–18 West Libya clashes|a coup d'état]] against Fayez al-Sarraj and the [[Presidential Council (Libya)|Presidential Council]] of GNA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyanexpress.com/us-concerned-about-gnc-coup-on-legitimate-government-in-libya/|title=US concerned about GNC coup on legitimate government in Libya |work=Libyan Express |date=16 October 2016}}</ref> |
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==Background of discontent with General National Congress== |
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At the beginning of 2014, Libya was governed by the [[General National Congress]] (GNC). Although Islamist candidates had not won a majority, the Islamist members had dominated the assembly after they succeeded in having Nouri Abusahmain elected president of the GNC in June 2013.<ref name="transitions.foreignpolicy.com"/><ref name="america.aljazeera.com"/> He subsequently used his presidency to manipulate the GNC agenda to the advantage of Islamists, suppressing undesirable debates and inquiries by removing them from the agenda.<ref name="John, Ronald Bruce 2014 p. 201"/> In December 2013, the GNC voted to follow [[sharia law]], and decided that "a special committee would review all existing laws to guarantee they comply with Islamic law."<ref name="reuters.com"/> |
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On 4 April 2019, [[Khalifa Haftar]], the commander of the Libyan National Army, called on his military forces to advance on Tripoli, the capital of the GNA, in the [[2019–20 Western Libya campaign]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/06/libya-international-community-warns-haftar-against-tripoli-attack |title=Libya: international community warns Haftar against Tripoli attack |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |date=6 April 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=2019-04-06 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406180652/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/06/libya-international-community-warns-haftar-against-tripoli-attack |archive-date=6 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> This was met with reproach from United Nations Secretary General [[António Guterres]] and the [[United Nations Security Council]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-libya-civil-war-20190404-story.html |title=Libya army leader Khalifa Haftar orders forces to march on Tripoli |date=4 April 2019 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2019-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406182926/https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-libya-civil-war-20190404-story.html |archive-date=6 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-06/libyan-air-force-strikes-haftar-positions-south-of-tripoli |title=Libya Lurches Toward Battle for Capital as Haftar Advances |last1=Mohareb |first1=Hatem |date=6 April 2019 |work=Bloomberg |access-date=2019-04-06 |last2=Sarrar |first2=Saleh |language=en |last3=Al-Atrush |first3=Samer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406111831/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-06/libyan-air-force-strikes-haftar-positions-south-of-tripoli |archive-date=6 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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He is perceived by some as linked to the [[Muslim Brotherhood]] in particular, which he denies.<ref>http://www.aawsat.net/2013/07/article55308581</ref> |
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On 23 October 2020, the ''5+5 Joint Libyan Military Commission'' representing the LNA and the GNA reached a "[[Libyan peace process#Military track: permanent ceasefire|permanent ceasefire agreement in all areas of Libya]]". The agreement, effective immediately, required that all foreign fighters leave Libya within three months while a joint police force would patrol disputed areas. The first commercial flight between Tripoli and Benghazi took place that same day.<ref name="auto6">{{cite news |last1=Nebehay |first1=Stephanie |last2=McDowall |first2=Angus |editor1-last=Jones|editor1-first=Gareth |editor2-last=Maclean |editor2-first=William|title=Warring Libya rivals sign truce but tough political talks ahead |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-ceasefire/warring-libya-rivals-sign-truce-but-tough-political-talks-ahead-idUSKBN2781BD?il=0 |access-date=23 October 2020 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=23 October 2020}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{cite news |title=UN says Libya sides reach 'permanent ceasefire' deal |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/23/un-says-libya-sides-reach-permanent-ceasefire-deal |access-date=23 October 2020 |agency=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=23 October 2020}}</ref> On 10 March 2021, an interim [[Government of National Unity (Libya)|unity government]] was formed, which was slated to remain in place until the [[next Libyan presidential election]] scheduled for 24 December that year.<ref name="alj">{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/10/libyan-lawmakers-endorse-govt-of-pm-designate-dbeibah|title=Libyan lawmakers approve gov't of PM-designate Dbeibah|access-date=10 March 2021|agency=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]|date=10 March 2021}}</ref> However, the election has been delayed several times<ref>{{Cite web|title=Libya electoral commission dissolves poll committees|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/21/libya-electoral-commission-dissolves-poll-committees|access-date=21 December 2021|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=AfricaNews|date=17 January 2022|title=UN: Libya elections could be held in June|url=https://www.africanews.com/2022/01/17/libya-elections-could-be-in-june-un-official/|access-date=23 January 2022|website=Africanews|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-26 |title=Libya's PM Dbeibah proposes holding polls at end of 2022 |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/world/africa/libyas-pm-dbeibah-proposes-holding-polls-at-end-of-2022 |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=Daily Sabah}}</ref> since, effectively rendering the unity government in power indefinitely, causing tensions which threaten to reignite the war.<ref name="middleeasteye.net">{{Cite web |title=As rumours swirl of Yemenis fighting in Libya, mercenaries enlist to join the war |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemen-turkey-libya-mercenaries-rumours-enlist |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Middle East Monitor">{{Cite news |date=29 June 2020 |title=Libya: 200 Yemen mercenaries arrive to fight on behalf of Turkey |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200629-libya-200-yemen-mercenaries-arrive-to-fight-on-behalf-of-turkey/ |access-date=17 July 2024 |work=Middle East Monitor}}</ref><ref name="aa.com.tr">{{Cite web |title=Israel claims Iran sent Libya's Haftar anti-tank arms |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israel-claims-iran-sent-libyas-haftar-anti-tank-arms/1848229 |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref><ref name="The Iran-Haftar links in Libya">{{Cite web |date=2020-07-17 |title=The Iran-Haftar links in Libya |url=https://warsawinstitute.org/iran-haftar-links-libya/ |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=Warsaw Institute |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="aawsat.com">{{Cite web |title=حوار سياسي {{!}} المسماري لـ"الشرق الأوسط": وجود عناصر لـ"حزب الله" أو للأسد في ليبيا "أكاذيب إخوانية" |url=https://aawsat.com/node/2189661 |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=aawsat.com |language=ar}}</ref> |
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The GNC was the subject of considerable discontent for a variety of reasons. |
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== Background of discontent with General National Congress == |
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===Alleged GNC relationship with Islamist armed groups=== |
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At the beginning of 2014, Libya was governed by the [[General National Congress]] (GNC), which won the popular vote in [[2012 Libyan General National Congress election|2012 elections]]. The GNC was made of two major political groups, the National Forces Alliance (NFC) and the [[Justice and Construction Party]] (JCP). The two major groups in parliament had failed to reach political compromises on the larger more important issues that the GNC faced. |
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Division among these parties, the row over the political isolation law, and a continuous unstable security situation greatly impacted the GNC's ability to deliver real progress towards a new constitution for Libya which was a primary task for this governing body.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Libya After Qaddafi: Lessons and Implications for the Future|last=Chivvis|first=Christopher S.|publisher=RAND Corporation|year=2014}}</ref> |
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The GNC was perceived to be channeling government funding towards some Islamist armed groups and allowing others to operate with impunity. It is alleged that funding was particularly channeled towards the [[LROR]], which [[Nouri Abusahmain]] set up himself. |
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The GNC also included members associated with conservative Islamist groups as well as revolutionary groups (thuwwar). Some members of the GNC had a conflict of interest due to associations with militias and were accused of channeling government funds towards armed groups and allowing others to conduct assassinations and kidnappings. Parties holding majority of seats and some holding minority of seats began to use boycotts or threats of boycotts which increased division and suppressed relevant debates by removing them from the congressional agenda;<ref name="John, Ronald Bruce 2014 p. 201">{{cite book |last=St John |first=Ronald Bruce |date=4 June 2014 |title=Historical Dictionary of Libya |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |page=201}}</ref> voting to declare [[sharia law]] and establishing a special committee to "review all existing laws to guarantee they comply with Islamic law";<ref name="reuters.com">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-law-idUSBRE9B30M220131204 |title=Libyan assembly votes to follow Islamic law |publisher=Reuters|date=4 December 2013|access-date=26 August 2014 |last1=Bosalum |first1=Feras |last2=Markey |first2=Patrick}}</ref> imposing [[Gender segregation and Islam|gender segregation]] and compulsory [[hijab]] at Libyan universities; and refusing to hold new elections when its electoral mandate expired in January 2014<ref>{{cite news|title=Libya congress extends its mandate until end-2014|url=http://www.mei.edu/content/libya-congress-extends-its-mandate-until-end-2014|agency=AFP|date=23 December 2013|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613134140/http://www.mei.edu/content/libya-congress-extends-its-mandate-until-end-2014|archive-date=13 June 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> until General Khalifa Haftar launched a large-scale military offensive against the Islamists in May 2014, code-named '''Operation Dignity''' ({{langx |ar|عملية الكرامة}}; 'Amaliyat al-Karamah).<ref name="Magharebia Shahat" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27492354 |title=Profile: Libyan ex-General Khalifa Haftar |date=16 October 2014 |first=Mohamed |last=Madi|work=BBC News}}</ref> |
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The GNC was believed by its opponents to be allowing Islamist groups to conduct assassinations, especially in Benghazi, and kidnappings. Prominent Islamist incidents in 2013-14 included the kidnapping of Prime Minister [[Ali Zeidan]] in October 2013, and the kidnapping of Egyptian diplomats in January 2014. Both incidents were carried out by the [[Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room]]. |
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=== Political fragmentation of the GNC === |
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In October 2013, following the kidnapping of the prime minister, Abusahmain used his presidency to change the agenda of the GNC in order to prevent a debate over disestablishing the [[LROR]]. At the same time, he cancelled a request to establish a committee to investigate the allocation, by Abusahmain himself, of 900 million Libyan Dinars (US $720 million) to the LROR and various other Islamist armed groups.<ref name="John, Ronald Bruce 2014 p. 201"/> Instead, the LROR had its responsibilities reduced by the GNC but was allowed to continue to operate and no-one was prosecuted for the incident. |
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The 2012 elections, overseen by the Libyan electoral commission with the support of the UN Special Mission In Libya (UNSMIL) and nongovernmental organizations like the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), have been considered "fair and free" by most Libyans. However, the elections did not necessarily create a strong government because the Parliament was fragmented due to the lack of organized political parties in Libya post-revolution. The GNC was made up of two major parties, the [[National Forces Alliance]] and the Justice and Construction Party, as well as independents in which some were moderates and other conservative Islamists. The GNC became a broad-based congress.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The GNA elected [[Nouri Abusahmain]] as president of the GNC in June 2013.<ref name="transitions.foreignpolicy.com">{{cite web|url=http://transitions.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2013/06/26/can_the_new_libyan_president_live_up_to_expectations|title=Can the New Libyan President Live Up to Expectations?|date=26 June 2013|work=Foreign Policy|access-date=26 August 2014|author=Eljarh, Mohamed|archive-date=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109162735/http://transitions.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2013/06/26/can_the_new_libyan_president_live_up_to_expectations|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="america.aljazeera.com">{{cite web|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/8/4/libya-parliamentmeets.html|title=Libya's new parliament meets amid rumbling violence|date=4 August 2014|publisher=Al Jazeera America|access-date=26 August 2014}}</ref> He was considered an independent Islamist and a compromise candidate acceptable to liberal members of the congress, as he was elected with 96 out of a total of 184 votes by the GNC.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=ISIS enters the Stage in the Libyan Drama – How the IS Caliphate expands in Northern Africa|last=Kotra|first=Johnathan|publisher=International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT)}}</ref> |
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The kidnapping of Zeidan was believed to be a coup attempt supported by members of the GNC, who was viewed as too moderate (see: [[2013 Libyan coup d'état attempt]]). |
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=== Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room and kidnapping of Ali Zeidan === |
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In Benghazi, the GNC was perceived to be turning a blind eye to the expansion of armed Islamist groups, notably [[Ansar al-Sharia (Libya)|Ansar al-Sharia]], the group linked to the assassination of the US ambassador to Libya in September 2012. |
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{{Main|Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room}} |
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The GNC was challenged due to increasing security concerns in Tripoli. The GNC itself was attacked many times by militias and armed protesters who stormed the GNC assembly hall.<ref name="www.dw.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.dw.com/en/two-lawmakers-shot-in-libya-as-protesters-storm-parliament/a-17468646 |title=Two lawmakers shot in Libya as protesters storm parliament|date=2014-03-03|work=Deutsche Welle|access-date=2016-12-07}}</ref> Following his appointment, Abusahmain was tasked with providing security. He set up the [[Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room]] (LROR), which was made up of rebels from [[Gharyan]], and was initially intended to protect and secure Tripoli in August 2013. Its commander was Adel Gharyani. During this time, Abusahmain blocked inquiries into the distribution of state funds and it was alleged that Abusahmain was channeling government funding towards the LROR.<ref name=":1" /> |
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In October, Libyan Prime Minister [[Ali Zeidan]] was kidnapped. It is believed to have been carried out by the LROR,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Stephen|first=Chris|date=2013-10-11|title=Libyan PM Ali Zeidan says his kidnap was coup attempt|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/11/libyan-pm-ali-zeidan-kidnap-coup-attempt|access-date=2020-08-22|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> although there is evidence to suggest that armed groups such as the Duru3 actually conducted the kidnapping.<ref>{{cite web|title=Libyan Elections {{!}} Libya Analysis|url=http://www.libya-analysis.com/libyan-elections/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308221758/http://www.libya-analysis.com/libyan-elections|archive-date=8 March 2018|access-date=2016-12-07|website=www.libya-analysis.com|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Following the kidnapping, Abusahmain used his presidency to change the agenda of the GNC in order to prevent them from disestablishing the LROR. At the same time, he cancelled a request to establish a committee to investigate his allocation of 900 million Libyan Dinars (US$720 million) to the LROR and various other armed groups.<ref name="John, Ronald Bruce 2014 p. 201" /> |
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In April 2014, an anti-terrorist training base called "Camp 27", located between Tripoli and the Tunisian border, was taken over by forces fighting under the control of Abd al-Muhsin Al-Libi, also known as [[Ibrahim Tantoush]],<ref name="thedailybeast.com">http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/04/23/jihadists-now-control-secretive-u-s-base-in-libya.html</ref> a long-serving [[Al-Qaeda]] organizer and former member of the [[Libyan Islamic Fighting Group]].<ref name="un.org">http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/NSQI05702E.shtml</ref> The Islamist forces at Camp 27 were subsequently been described as part of the [[Libya Shield Force]].<ref name="libyaherald.com">http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/05/warshefana-take-camp-27-from-libya-shield/</ref> The Libya Shield Force was already identified by some observers as linked to [[Al-Qaeda]] as early as 2012.<ref name="inquisitr.com">http://www.inquisitr.com/366355/libyan-milita-units-that-aided-u-s-marines-during-embassy-attack-linked-to-al-qaeda/</ref><ref name="books.google.co.uk">http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=-RuH8O3Pel0C&pg=PT27&lpg=PT27&dq=%22libya+shield%22+al-qaeda&source=bl&ots=TrBQr6HHdV&sig=DUm-2KgixJKHnQePHbxz1hZ77pc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=lbb4U9eBH4TSaM2Aghg&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22libya%20shield%22%20al-qaeda&f=false</ref> |
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The GNC responded by removing Abusahmain as president and dismissing the LROR from its security function.<ref>{{cite web|title=Libya Revolutionaries Joint Operations Room (LROR) {{!}} Terrorist Groups {{!}} TRAC|url=http://www.trackingterrorism.org/group/libya-revolutionaries-joint-operations-room-lror|access-date=2016-12-07|website=www.trackingterrorism.org}}</ref> However, the armed group was allowed to continue to operate, and no one was prosecuted for the incident. |
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===Alleged suppression of women's rights=== |
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GNC opponents argue that it was supporting Islamist actions against women. [[Sadiq Ghariani]], the [[Grand Mufti]] of Libya, is perceived to be linked closely to Islamist parties. He has issued fatwas ordering Muslims to obey the GNC,<ref>http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/02/07/grand-mufti-supports-congress-remaining-in-office-forbids-action-against-it/#axzz3BEEmEefL</ref> and fatwas ordering Muslims to fight against [[Haftar]]'s forces<ref>http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/.../libya-grand-mufti-fatwa-jihad-hifter.html</ref><ref>http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/06/12/feature-01</ref> He has also issued fatwas restricting women's rights.<ref>http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/10/13/female-teachers-must-cover-face-says-grand-mufti/#axzz3BEEmEefL</ref><ref name="Jones">{{cite web|last=Jones |first=Susan |url=http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/libyas-grand-mufti-issues-fatwa-against-un-report-womens-rights |title=Libya's Grand Mufti Issues Fatwa Against U.N. Report on Women's Rights |publisher=CNS News |date= |accessdate=2014-08-16}}</ref> |
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=== Expansion of armed groups during the GNC's term === |
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In March 2013, [[Sadiq Ghariani]], the [[Grand Mufti]], issued a fatwa against the ''UN Report on Violence Against Women and Girls''. He condemned the UN report for "advocating immorality and indecency in addition to rebelliousness against religion and clear objections to the laws contained in the Quran and Sunnah".<ref name="Jones"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Alexandra Valiente |url=http://vivalibya.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/libyas-grand-mufti-issues-fatwa-against-un-womens-rights-report-on-violence-against-women/ |title=Libya’s "Grand Mufti" Issues Fatwa Against UN Report on Violence Against Women and Girls | Viva Libya ! |publisher=Vivalibya.wordpress.com |date=2013-03-11 |accessdate=2014-08-16}}</ref> Later in 2013, lawyer Hamida Al-Hadi Al-Asfar was abducted, tortured and killed. It is alleged she was targeted for criticising the Grand Mufti's declaration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vivalibya.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/lawyer-who-supported-the-rights-of-women-found-dead/ |title=Lawyer Who Supported the Rights of Women in Libya, Found Dead | Viva Libya ! |publisher=Vivalibya.wordpress.com |date=2014-01-07 |accessdate=2014-08-16}}</ref> No arrests were made. |
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Many Libyans blamed the GNC and the interim government for a continued lack of security in the country. The interim government struggled to control well-armed militias and armed groups that established during the revolution. Libyans in Benghazi especially began to witness [[assassinations]] and kidnapping and perceived the GNC to be turning a blind eye to the deteriorating security situation in the east. |
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But security concerns increased across the country, allowing armed groups to expand in Tripoli and the east. |
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In June 2013, two politicians, Ali Tekbali and Fathi Sager, appeared in court for "insulting Islam" for publishing a cartoon promoting women's rights.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/libya-must-drop-charges-against-politicians-over-women-s-rights-cartoon-2013-06-14 |title=Libya must drop charges against politicians over women’s rights cartoon | Amnesty International |publisher=Amnesty.org |date= |accessdate=2014-08-16}}</ref> Under sharia law they were facing a possible death penalty. The case caused widespread concern although they were eventually acquitted in March 2014. After the GNC was forced to accept new elections, Ali Tekbali was elected to the new House of Representatives. |
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* In 2012, the [[2012 Benghazi attack|assassination]] of the [[J. Christopher Stevens|US ambassador to Libya]] by [[Ansar al-Sharia (Libya)|Ansar al-Sharia]] took place.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/13/world/middleeast/us-envoy-to-libya-is-reported-killed.html|title=Libya Mission Attack Kills U.S. Ambassador|last1=Kirkpatrick|first1=David D.|date=2012-09-12|last2=Myers|first2=Steven Lee|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2016-12-07}}</ref> |
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[[File:Libyans protest GNC extension (II).jpg|thumb|Protesters stage a large demonstration in Shahat against the GNC's mandate extension plan.<ref name="Magharebia Shahat">{{cite web | url=http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/02/04/feature-01 | title=Shahat slams GNC | publisher=Magharebia | date=February 4, 2014 | accessdate=August 20, 2014 | author=Al-Gattani, Ali}}</ref>]] |
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* In October 2013, the kidnapping of Prime Minister [[Ali Zeidan]] by the LROR took place. |
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* The kidnapping of Egyptian diplomats in January 2014 also by the LROR took place. |
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* In March 2014, armed protesters allegedly linked to the LROR stormed the GNC parliament building, shooting and injuring two lawmakers and wounding several others.<ref name="www.dw.com" /> |
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In April 2014, an anti-terrorist training base called "Camp 27", located between Tripoli and the [[Libya–Tunisia border|Tunisian border]], was taken over by forces fighting under the control of Abd al-Muhsin Al-Libi, also known as [[Ibrahim Tantoush]],<ref name="thedailybeast.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/04/23/jihadists-now-control-secretive-u-s-base-in-libya.html|title=Jihadists Now Control Secretive U.S. Base in Libya|work=The Daily Beast|date=23 April 2014|access-date=14 October 2014|last1=Lake|first1=Eli}}</ref> a long-serving [[Al-Qaeda]] organizer and former member of the [[Libyan Islamic Fighting Group]].<ref name="un.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/NSQI05702E.shtml |title=QI.T.57.02. IBRAHIM ALI ABU BAKR TANTOUSH |publisher=Un.org |access-date=14 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105142653/http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/NSQI05702E.shtml |archive-date=5 November 2014}}</ref> The Islamist forces at Camp 27 have subsequently been described as part of the [[Libya Shield Force]].<ref name="libyaherald.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/05/warshefana-take-camp-27-from-libya-shield/|title=Warshefana take Camp 27 from Libya Shield|work=Libya Herald|date=5 August 2014 |access-date=14 October 2014}}</ref> The Libya Shield Force was already identified by some observers as linked to [[al-Qaeda]] as early as 2012.<ref name="inquisitr.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/366355/libyan-milita-units-that-aided-u-s-marines-during-embassy-attack-linked-to-al-qaeda/|title=Libyan Militia Units That Aided U.S. Marines During Embassy Attack Linked To Al-Qaeda|work=The Inquisitr News|date=17 October 2012 |access-date=14 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="books.google.co.uk">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-RuH8O3Pel0C&q=%22libya+shield%22+al-qaeda&pg=PT27|title=The Jihadist Plot|access-date=14 October 2014|isbn=9781594036828|date=10 October 2013|last1=Rosenthal|first1=John|publisher=Encounter Books }}</ref> |
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=== GNC's political isolation law === |
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During [[Nouri Abusahmain]]'s presidency of the GNC, gender segregation and compulsory hijab were being imposed in Libyan universities from early 2014, provoking strong criticism from Women's Rights groups. This was subsequent to the December 2013 GNC decision to enforce sharia law in Libya. |
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Although Islamists were outnumbered by [[Liberalism|Liberals]] and [[Centrism|Centrist]]s in the GNC, in May 2013 they lobbied for a law "banning virtually everyone who had participated in Gaddafi's government from holding public office". While several Islamist political parties and independents supported the law, as they generally had no associations to the Gaddafi regime, the law enjoyed strong public support. |
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The law particularly impacts elite expatriates and leaders of liberal parties. There existed reservations that such a law would eliminate technocratic expertise needed in Libya at the time. |
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===The GNC extends its mandate without elections=== |
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Armed militiamen stormed government ministries, shut down the GNC itself and demanded the law's passage. This intimidated the GNC into passing the law in which 164 members approved the bill, with only four abstaining and no member opposing it.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The GNC failed to stand down at the end of its electoral mandate in January 2014, unilaterally voting on 23 December 2013 to extend its power for at least one year. This caused widespread unease and some protests. Residents of the eastern city of Shahat, along with protesters from Bayda and Sousse, staged a large demonstration, rejecting the GNC's extension plan and demanding the resignation of the congress followed by a peaceful power transition to a legitimate body. They also protested the lack of security, blaming the GNC for failing to build the army and police.<ref name="Magharebia Shahat"/> Other Libyans rejecting the proposed mandate rallied in Tripoli's Martyrs Square and outside Benghazi's Tibesti Hotel, calling for the freeze of political parties and the re-activation of the country's security system.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/02/10/feature-02 | title=Libyans reject GNC extension | publisher=Magharebia | date=February 10, 2014 | accessdate=August 20, 2014 | author=Mohamed, Essam; Al-Majbari, Fathia}}</ref> |
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=== Suppression of women's rights === |
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On 14 February 2014, General [[Khalifa Haftar]] ordered the GNC to dissolve and called for the formation of a [[caretaker government]] committee to oversee new elections. However his actions had little effect on the GNC, which called his actions "an attempted coup" and called Haftar himself "ridiculous" and labelled him an aspiring dictator. The GNC continued to operate as before. No arrests were made. Haftar launched Operation Dignity two months later, on 16 May. |
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GNC opponents argue that it was supporting Islamist actions against women. [[Sadiq Ghariani]], the [[Grand Mufti]] of Libya, is perceived to be linked closely to Islamist parties. He has issued fatwas ordering Muslims to obey the GNC,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/02/07/grand-mufti-supports-congress-remaining-in-office-forbids-action-against-it/#axzz3BEEmEefL|title=Grand Mufti supports Congress remaining in office, forbids action against it.|work=Libya Herald|date=7 February 2014 |access-date=14 October 2014}}</ref> and fatwas ordering Muslims to fight against [[Haftar]]'s forces<ref>{{cite web|url=http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/06/12/feature-01|title=Mufti call for violence angers Libyans|work=Magharebia|access-date=14 October 2014}}</ref> |
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In March 2013, Sadiq Ghariani, issued a fatwa against the ''UN Report on Violence Against Women and Girls''. He condemned the UN report for "advocating immorality and indecency in addition to rebelliousness against religion and clear objections to the laws contained in the Quran and Sunnah".<ref>{{cite web|author=Alexandra Valiente|url=http://vivalibya.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/libyas-grand-mufti-issues-fatwa-against-un-womens-rights-report-on-violence-against-women/|title=Libya's "Grand Mufti" Issues Fatwa Against UN Report on Violence Against Women and Girls | Viva Libya !|publisher=Vivalibya.wordpress.com|date=11 March 2013|access-date=16 August 2014}}</ref> Soon after the Grand Mufti issued a clarification op-ed that there should be no discrimination between men and women yet women have a greater role in the family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alwatan-libya.net/more-27038-27-%D9%81%D8%B6%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A9%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%8A%D8%AE%20%D8%A7%D9%84..|title=فضيلة الشيخ الصادق الغرياني : مفاهيم خاطئة .. الوقوف على مسافة واحدة|website=www.alwatan-libya.net|access-date=2016-12-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402071844/http://www.alwatan-libya.net/more-27038-27-%D9%81%D8%B6%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A9%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%8A%D8%AE%20%D8%A7%D9%84..|archive-date=2 April 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==Opposing forces== |
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Later in 2013, lawyer Hamida Al-Hadi Al-Asfar, advocate of women's rights, was abducted, tortured and killed. It is alleged she was targeted for criticising the Grand Mufti's declaration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vivalibya.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/lawyer-who-supported-the-rights-of-women-found-dead/|title=Lawyer Who Supported the Rights of Women in Libya, Found Dead | Viva Libya !|publisher=Vivalibya.wordpress.com|date=7 January 2014|access-date=16 August 2014}}</ref> No arrests were made. |
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===Taking sides=== |
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[[File:General Haftar.jpg|thumb|General [[Khalifa Haftar]] who launched the anti-Islamist operation on May 16, 2014.]] |
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On May 19, 2014, a number of Libyan military officers announced their support for Gen. Haftar, including officers in an air force base in [[Tobruk]], and others who have occupied a significant portion of the country's oil infrastructure, as well as members of an important militia group in Benghazi. On the other hand, several fighters from [[Misrata]] moved to Tripoli to counter Haftar's offensive, but this happened after the general managed to gather allies from [[Bayda, Libya|Bayda]], 125 miles east of Benghazi.<ref name="WPost 3" /> |
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In June 2013, two politicians, Ali Tekbali and Fathi Sager, appeared in court for "insulting Islam" for publishing a cartoon promoting women's rights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/news/libya-must-drop-charges-against-politicians-over-women-s-rights-cartoon-2013-06-14 |title=Libya must drop charges against politicians over women's rights cartoon |publisher=Amnesty International |date=14 June 2013 |access-date=16 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326023115/http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/libya-must-drop-charges-against-politicians-over-women-s-rights-cartoon-2013-06-14 |archive-date=26 March 2014}}</ref> Under sharia law they were facing a possible death penalty.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}} The case caused widespread concern although they were eventually acquitted in March 2014. After the GNC was forced to accept new elections, Ali Tekbali was elected to the new House of Representatives.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}} |
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Additional supporters of the movement include Libya's former Prime Minister [[Ali Zeidan]], ousted by [[General National Congress]] (GNC) Islamist parties, and Libya's ambassador to the [[United Nations]] who had announced his backing of Haftar's offensive against Islamist lawmakers and extremist militias, just hours after the country's air force commander had made a similar move, further building support for a campaign. The current Prime Minister has described Operation Dignity as a [[coup d'état]].<ref name="ABC News">{{cite news|accessdate=May 21, 2014|deadurl=no|url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/libyan-lawmakers-meet-secret-amid-standoff-23798123|title=2 Ranking Libyan Officials Side With Rogue General|date=May 20, 2014|author=Esam Mohamed and Maggie Michael|publisher=[[ABC News]]|archivedate=May 26, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140526020155/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/libyan-lawmakers-meet-secret-amid-standoff-23798123}}</ref><ref name="operation dignity report">{{cite web|url=http://iranesabz.se/?p=20277|title=Operation Dignity gathers support|date=21 May 2014|work=Libya Herald|language=English/Arabic|accessdate=26 May 2014|location=Tripoli}}</ref> The commander of the army's special forces also said he had allied with Haftar.<ref name="Special forces join Libya's Dignity">{{cite news|author=Ayman al-Warfalli and Ulf Laessing|agency=Reuters|deadurl=no|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/19/us-libya-violence-idUSBREA4G04A20140519|title=Libyan special forces commander says his forces join renegade general|date=May 19, 2014|accessdate=May 22, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140521071351/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/19/us-libya-violence-idUSBREA4G04A20140519|archivedate=May 21, 2014}}</ref> However, the show of support for the general appears to have triggered a heavy backlash, as Libya's navy chief Brig. Gen. Hassan Abu-Shanaq, who also announced his support for Haftar's revolt, was wounded in an assassination attempt in the capital Tripoli along with his driver and a guard. On May 20, the air forces headquarters in Tripoli came under a rocket attack but no casualties were reported.<ref name="ABC News" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27507539|title=Libyan renegade general urges new 'crisis cabinet'|date=May 21, 2014|publisher=[[BBC News Online]]|accessdate=May 22, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140523084933/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27507539|archivedate=May 23, 2014}}</ref> |
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[[File:Libyans protest GNC extension (II).jpg|thumb|Protesters stage a large demonstration in Shahat against the GNC's mandate extension plan.<ref name="Magharebia Shahat">{{cite web|url=http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/02/04/feature-01|title=Shahat slams GNC|publisher=Magharebia|date=4 February 2014|access-date=20 August 2014|author=Al-Gattani, Ali}}</ref>]] |
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On May 21, the coup d'état was described by the ''[[Washington Post]]'' as the most serious challenge to the Libyan authorities since the [[Libyan Civil War|overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi]] in 2011.<ref name="WPost 3">{{cite news|accessdate=May 21, 2014|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/rival-militias-prepare-for-showdown-in-tripoli-after-takeover-of-parliament/2014/05/19/cb36acc2-df6f-11e3-810f-764fe508b82d_story.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6RWgPhDXp|archivedate=August 2, 2014|author=Abigail Hauslohner and Sharif Abdel Kouddous|title=Khalifa Hifter, the ex-general leading a revolt in Libya, spent years in exile in Northern Virginia|date=May 20, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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During [[Nouri Abusahmain]]'s presidency of the GNC and subsequent to GNC's decision to enforce sharia law in December 2013, gender segregation and compulsory hijab were being imposed in Libyan universities from early 2014, provoking strong criticism from Women's Rights groups. |
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A Netherlands-based global advocacy organization, Cordaid, reported that violence against Libyan women at the hands of militias frequently goes unpunished. Cordaid also noted that restricted freedom of movement, driven by fear of violence, has led to declines in schooling among women and girls.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-23 |title=Libyan activist addresses UN on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Conflict |url=https://www.cordaid.org/en/news/libyan-activist-addresses-un-on-sexual-and-gender-based-violence-in-conflict/ |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=Cordaid International |language=en}}</ref> |
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===Islamist forces=== |
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The Islamist forces are identified as "terrorists" by the Parliament in Tobruk.<ref name="bbc.co.uk"/> |
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=== GNC extends its mandate without elections === |
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They may include a faction of the Libyan National Army, which does not include air or naval forces. Most of the [[Libya Shield Force]] supports the Islamists. Its forces are divided geographically into the Western Shield, Central Shield and Eastern Shield. Elements of the Libya Shield Force were identified by some observers as linked to [[Al-Qaeda]] as early as 2012.<ref name="inquisitr.com"/><ref name="books.google.co.uk"/> The term "Libya Shield 1" is used to refer to the Islamist part of the [[Libya Shield Force]] in the east of Libya.<ref>http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/6398/19/Haftar-escalates.aspx</ref> |
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The GNC failed to stand down at the end of its electoral mandate in January 2014, unilaterally voting on 23 December 2013 to extend its power for at least one year. This caused widespread unease and some protests. Residents of the eastern city of Shahat, along with protesters from Bayda and Sousse, staged a large demonstration, rejecting the GNC's extension plan and demanding the resignation of the congress followed by a peaceful power transition to a legitimate body. They also protested the lack of security, blaming the GNC for failing to build the army and police.<ref name="Magharebia Shahat"/> Other Libyans rejecting the proposed mandate rallied in Tripoli's Martyrs Square and outside Benghazi's Tibesti Hotel, calling for the freeze of political parties and the re-activation of the country's security system.<ref name=magharebia>{{cite web|url=http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/02/10/feature-02|title=Libyans reject GNC extension|publisher=Magharebia|date=10 February 2014|access-date=20 August 2014|author1=Mohamed, Essam |author2=Al-Majbari, Fathia}}</ref> |
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On 14 February 2014, General [[Khalifa Haftar]] ordered the GNC to dissolve and called for the formation of a [[caretaker government]] committee to oversee new elections. However, his actions had little effect on the GNC, which called his actions "an attempted coup" and called Haftar himself "ridiculous" and labelled him an aspiring dictator. The GNC continued to operate as before. No arrests were made. Haftar launched Operation Dignity three months later on 16 May.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/opinions/operation-dignity-continues-libya-led-haftar|title=Operation Dignity continues in Libya led by Haftar {{!}} The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|language=en|access-date=2019-04-15|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803031014/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/opinions/operation-dignity-continues-libya-led-haftar|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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In Eastern Libya, Islamist armed groups have organized themselves into the [[Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries]]. These are: |
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*[[Ansar al-Sharia (Libya)|Ansar al-Sharia]] |
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*[[Libya Shield 1]] |
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*[[February 17th Martyrs Brigade]] |
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*[[Rafallah al-Sahati Brigade]] |
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=== House of Representatives versus GNC === |
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In western Libya, the prominent Islamist forces are the Central Shield (of the [[Libya Shield Force]]), which consists especially of [[Misrata]] units, and the [[Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room]]. Two smaller organizations operating in western Libya are ''Ignewa Al-Kikly'' and the "Lions of Monotheism". |
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[[File:Situation in Libya (July 2015).svg|thumb|Military situation in Libya in July 2015]] |
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On 25 May 2014, about one week after Khalifa Haftar started his "Operation Dignity" offensive against the General National Congress, that body set 25 June 2014 as the date for [[2014 Libyan House of Representatives election|new elections]].<ref name=eognc-35>{{cite web |url=http://www.ignc.net.ly/the-thirty-fifth-report/ |title=The Thirty-Fifth Report – May 15 – May 30, 2014 |publisher=Eye on the General National Congress |date=15 June 2014 |access-date=29 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903100813/http://www.ignc.net.ly/the-thirty-fifth-report/ |archive-date=3 September 2014 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Islamists were defeated, but rejected the results of the election, which saw only an 18% turnout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/libyans-mourn-rights-activist-amid-turmoil-2014626161436740827.html|title =Libyans mourn rights activist amid turmoil|publisher=Al-Jazeera |date=26 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/19/jabal-nefusa-towns-boycott-the-house-of-representatives-over-tobruk-meetings/ |title=Jabal Nefusa towns declare boycott of the House of Representatives|work=Libya Herald |date =19 August 2014|access-date=6 January 2015}}</ref> They accused the new [[House of Representatives (Libya)|House of Representatives]] parliament of being dominated by supporters of Gaddafi, and they continued to support the old GNC after the Council officially replaced it on 4 August 2014.<ref name=guardianbriefing/><ref>{{cite news|title=Libya's new parliament meets in Tobruk|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/04/libyas-new-parliament-meets-in-tobruk/#axzz39S15dqTQ|access-date=4 August 2014|work=Libya Herald|date=4 August 2014}}</ref> |
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The conflict escalated on 13 July 2014, when Tripoli's Islamists and [[Misrata]]n militias launched "Operation Libya Dawn" to seize [[Tripoli International Airport]], capturing it from the [[Zintan]] militia on 23 August. Shortly thereafter, members of the GNC, who had rejected the June election, reconvened as a [[General National Congress (2014)|new General National Congress]] and voted themselves as replacement of the newly elected House of Representatives, with Tripoli as their political capital, [[Nouri Abusahmain]] as president and [[Omar al-Hasi]] as prime minister. As a consequence, the majority of the House of Representatives were forced to relocate to [[Tobruk]], aligning themselves with Haftar's forces and eventually nominating him army chief.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|title=Libya names anti-Islamist General Haftar as army chief|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-31698755|work=BBC News|date=2 March 2015}}</ref> On 6 November, the supreme court in Tripoli, dominated by the new GNC, declared the House of Representatives dissolved.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/libya-court-rules-june-elections-unconstitutional-26725959 |title=Libya Court Rules June Elections Unconstitutional|work=ABC News |date=6 November 2014|access-date=6 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29933121 |title=Libya supreme court 'invalidates' elected parliament|publisher=BBC|date=6 November 2014 |access-date=6 November 2014}}</ref> The House of Representatives rejected this ruling as made "under threat".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/libya-parliament-rejects-court-ruling-experts-call-international-action-end-crisis-1302883080 |title=Libya parliament rejects court ruling, calls grow for international action |publisher=Middle East Eye|access-date=29 January 2015}}</ref> |
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[[Al-Qaeda]] leader [[Abd al-Muhsin Al-Libi]], also known as Ibrahim Ali Abu Bakr or Ibrahim Tantoush<ref name="un.org"/> has been active in western Libya, capturing the special forces base called Camp 27 in April 2014 and losing it to anti-Islamist forces in August 2014.<ref name="thedailybeast.com"/> The Islamist forces around Camp 27 have been described as both [[Al-Qaida]]<ref name="thedailybeast.com"/> and as part of the [[Libya Shield Force]].<ref name="libyaherald.com"/> The relationship between [[Al-Qaeda]] and [[Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb]] is unclear, and their relationship with other Libyan Islamist groups is unclear. [[Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb]] are also active in [[Fezzan]], especially in border areas. |
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On 16 January 2015, the Operation Dignity and Operation Libya Dawn factions agreed on a ceasefire.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-idUSKBN0KP0VL20150116|title=Libya parties agree to more talks; two factions call ceasefire|publisher=Reuters |access-date=29 January 2015|date=16 January 2015}}</ref> The country was then led by two separate governments, with Tripoli and [[Misrata]] controlled by forces loyal to Libya Dawn and the new GNC in Tripoli, while the international community recognized [[Abdullah al-Thani]]'s government and its parliament in Tobruk.<ref name="aljazeera.com">{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/02/tripoli-backed-fighters-sirte-confront-isil-150217152905350.html |date=Feb 2015 |title=Tripoli-backed fighters sent to Sirte to confront ISIL |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> Benghazi remained contested between pro-Haftar forces and radical Islamists.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Asharq al-Awsat |date=Feb 2015 |url=http://www.aawsat.net/2015/02/article55341319/haftars-troops-recapture-key-stronghold-libyas-benghazi |title=Haftar's troops recapture key stronghold in Libya's Benghazi}}</ref> |
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===Anti-Islamist forces=== |
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The anti-Islamist forces are built around Haftar's faction of the Libyan National Army, including land, sea and air forces. |
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== Opposing forces == |
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Since the [[Battle of Tripoli Airport]], armed groups associated with [[Zintan]] and the surrounding [[Nafusa]] region have become prominent. The Airport Security Battalion is recruited in large part from [[Zintan]]. |
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=== Pro-GNC === |
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The pro-GNC forces were a coalition of different militias with different ideologies although most of them are Islamist influenced especially in eastern Libya in [[Benghazi]] and [[Derna, Libya|Derna]]. Since LPA negotiations started in Skhirat there has been a rift within the militias over support for the UN-sponsored talks and the proposed Government of National Accord, which seeks to unite the rival governments.<ref name=BBCGuide>{{cite news|title=Guide to key Libyan militias|work=BBC News|date=11 January 2016|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-19744533}}</ref> |
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Since GNA started working from Tripoli in March 2015, Libya Dawn coalition the largest of Pro-GNC militias has been disbanded and most of its forces changed allegiances to GNA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eyeonisisinlibya.com/the-anti-isis-coalition/24-30-june-anti-gna-militias-evicted-from-tripoli/|title=24 – 30 May: Anti-GNA militias evicted from Tripoli|date=30 May 2017|website=Eye on ISIS in Libya}}</ref> |
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The "Zintan Brigades" fall under the leadership of the Zintan Revolutionaries' Military Council. They consist of: |
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*The ''Qaaqaa'' Brigade |
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*The [[Lightning Bolt]] (''Sawaiq'') Brigade |
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*The Civic Brigade (لواء المدني) |
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*The Airport Security Battalion |
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==== Libya Dawn ==== |
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Warshefana tribal militia, from the area immediately south and west of Tripoli, have been playing a growing role in the anti-Islamist forces. On 5 August they were reported to have recaptured Camp 27, a training base west of Tripoli. The special base had been set up in 2012 with US funding, but had been captured by forces under Al-Qaida organizer Ibrahim Ali Abu Bakr Tantoush in April 2014. Warshefana militia are also involved in an unrelated long-standing tribal conflict with the neighbouring [[Zawiya District|Zawiya]] tribe. |
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The Islamist "[[Libya Dawn]]" has been described as "an uneasy coalition" identified as "terrorists" by the elected parliament in [[Tobruk]]<ref name="bbc.co.uk" /> including "former [[al-Qaeda]] jihadists" who fought against Gaddafi in the 1990s, members of Libya's branch of the [[Muslim Brotherhood]], and a "network of conservative merchants" from [[Misrata]], whose fighters make up "the largest block of Libya Dawn's forces".<ref name=Anderson180215>{{cite magazine|last1=Anderson|first1=Jon Lee|title=Letter from Libya. The Unravelling |magazine=The New Yorker|date=23 February 2015|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/23/unravelling?int|access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref> The coalition was formed in 2014 as a reaction against General [[Khalifa Haftar]] [[2013 Libyan coup d'état attempt|failed coup]] and to defeat Zintan brigades controlling [[Tripoli International Airport]] whose aligned with him. |
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The [[Zawiya, Libya|Zawia]] tribe has been allied to Libya Dawn since August 2014,<ref name="libyaninsider.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaninsider.com/violent-clashes-zawia/|title=Violent Clashes in Zawia|work=The Libyan Insider|access-date=6 April 2015|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129044159/http://www.libyaninsider.com/violent-clashes-zawia/|archive-date=29 January 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> although in June 2014 at least one Zawia army unit had appeared to side with General Haftar, and reports in December claimed Zawia forces were openly considering breaking away from Libya Dawn.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/12/07/more-air-raids-as-national-army-claims-west-advances-while-zawia-reviews-dawn-commitment/#axzz3NbYucI2B|title=More air raids as national army claims west advances while Zawia "reviews Dawn commitment" -|work=Libya Herald|date=7 December 2014 }}</ref> Zawia militia have been heavily fighting the Warshefana tribe. In the current conflict, the Warshefana have been strongly identified with the forces fighting against both Libya Dawn and Al Qaeda. Zawia has been involved in a long-standing tribal conflict with the neighbouring Warshefana tribe since 2011.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15726099|title=Libyan factions in deadly clashes near Zawiya|work=BBC News|access-date=29 January 2015|date=14 November 2011}}</ref> The motivations of the Zawia brigades participation in the war have been described as unrelated to religion and instead deriving foremost from tribal conflict with the Warshafana and secondarily as a result of opposition to the Zintani brigades and General Haftar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20141112224132 |title=Libya's future lies on 'T Zone' |work=Saudi Gazette |date=11 November 2014 |access-date=8 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401110751/http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20141112224132 |archive-date=1 April 2015}}</ref> |
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A minority portion of the [[Libya Shield Force]] is reported to have not joined the Islamist forces. It is not clear if this means they have joined the anti-Islamist forces. Although journalists have referred to this group as "Libya Shield 2"<ref>http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/06/09/benghazi-libya-shield-protests-at-least-27-dead/#ixzz2neES20PM</ref> to distinguish it from the Islamist faction which calls itself Libya Shield 1, it is not clear that this name is commonly used. |
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When the head of GNA [[Fayez al-Sarraj|Fayez Sarraj]] arrived in Tripoli, Libya Dawn has been disbanded as the interests of the militias forming it conflicted when some of them choose to support GNA others chose to stay loyal to GNC. |
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A pro-[[Gaddafi]] media outlet, the [[Jamahiriya News Agency]], claims that a group called "the Forces of the Military Council of Libyan Tribes and Cities" (قوات المجلس العسكرى للقبائل والمدن الليبية) is involved in fighting against the Islamists. |
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==== Libya Shield ==== |
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==Timeline== |
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The [[Libya Shield Force]] supports the Islamists. Its forces are divided geographically, into the Western Shield, Central Shield and Eastern Shield. Elements of the Libya Shield Force were identified by some observers as linked to [[Al-Qaeda]] as early as 2012.<ref name="inquisitr.com" /><ref name="books.google.co.uk" /> The term "Libya Shield 1" is used to refer to the Islamist part of the [[Libya Shield Force]] in the east of Libya.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/6398/19/Haftar-escalates.aspx|title=Haftar-escalates|work=Al-Ahram Weekly|access-date=14 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019045710/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/6398/19/Haftar-escalates.aspx|archive-date=19 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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In western Libya, the prominent Islamist forces are the Central Shield (of the [[Libya Shield Force]]), which consists especially of [[Misrata]] units and the [[Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room]]. Two smaller organizations operating in western Libya are ''Ignewa Al-Kikly'' and the "Lions of Monotheism". |
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===May 16–17: Operation Dignity offensive in Benghazi=== |
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[[Al-Qaeda]] leader [[Abd al-Muhsin Al-Libi]], also known as Ibrahim Ali Abu Bakr or Ibrahim Tantoush<ref name="un.org" /> has been active in western Libya, capturing the special forces base called Camp 27 in April 2014 and losing it to anti-Islamist forces in August 2014.<ref name="thedailybeast.com" /> The Islamist forces around Camp 27 have been described as both [[Al-Qaida]]<ref name="thedailybeast.com" /> and as part of the [[Libya Shield Force]].<ref name="libyaherald.com" /> The relationship between [[Al-Qaeda]] and [[Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb]] is unclear, and their relationship with other Libyan Islamist groups is unclear. [[Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb]] are also active in [[Fezzan]], especially in border areas. |
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====Fighting==== |
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Hostilities first broke out early in the morning of Friday 16 May 2014 when Gen. Haftar's forces assaulted the bases of certain Benghazi Islamist militia groups, including the one blamed for the [[2012 Benghazi attack|2012 assassination of US ambassador Christopher Stevens]]. Helicopters, jets and ground forces took part in the assault, killing at least 70, and injuring at least 250. Haftar has vowed to not stop until the extremists groups are purged.<ref name="CNN election announcement">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/20/world/africa/libya-violence/|author=Jomana Karadsheh and Ben Brumfield|title=Libya announces elections: Will it help calm the violence?|date=May 20, 2014|agency=[[CNN]]|accessdate=May 23, 2014|archivedate=May 24, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140524005343/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/20/world/africa/libya-violence/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Jomana Karadsheh and Ashley Fantz|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/18/world/africa/libya-violence/|title=Turmoil in Libya: Fighting sweeps across Tripoli following violence in Benghazi|date=May 19, 2014|accessdate=May 23, 2014|agency=CNN|archivedate=May 24, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140524005350/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/18/world/africa/libya-violence/|deadurl=no}}</ref> Shortly before the assault Haftar reportedly asked a close friend, "Am I committing suicide?"<ref name="Haftar's doubts">{{cite web|url=http://libyastories.com/2014/05/30/libya-karama-some-notes-on-kahlifa-hafters-operation-dignity/|title=Karama – Some Notes On Khalifa Hafter's Operation Dignity|last=Oakes|first=John|date=May 30, 2014|publisher=Libya Stories|accessdate=May 31, 2014}}</ref> |
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Libya western and central Libya Shield force fought alongside Libya Dawn and were disbanded with it in 2015. While the eastern Libya Shield forces merged later with other Islamist militias and formed Revolutionary Shura Council to fight Hafter LNA. |
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The operation, codenamed "Operation Dignity" by Haftar, began when forces loyal to General Haftar attacked units of the [[February 17th Martyrs Brigade]], the [[Libya Shield 1|Libya Shield No. 1 Brigade]] (also known as Deraa No. 1 Brigade), and [[Ansar al-Sharia (Benghazi)|Ansar al-Sharia]]. Fighting was largely confined to the south western Benghazi districts of Hawari and Sidi Ferej. In particular the fighting focused on the area between the south-western gate checkpoint and the cement factory; an area controlled by Ansar al-Sharia. As part of the fighting helicopters were seen over Hawari. Fighting was also reported in the port area between marines and the Libya Shield No. 1 (Deraa No. 1) Brigade.<ref name="16 May">{{cite news|deadurl=no|url= http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/16/hafter-launches-benghazi-attack-on-islamists/#axzz31uF72T00|title=Hafter launches Benghazi attack on Islamists|date=May 16, 2014|work=Libya Herald|author= Aimen Majeed and Moutaz Ahmed|accessdate=May 23, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140526021630/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/16/hafter-launches-benghazi-attack-on-islamists/#axzz31uF72T00|archivedate=May 26, 2014}}</ref> |
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==== Revolutionary Shura Councils ==== |
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Haftar's forces seemingly moved on Benghazi from the east, with some units originating from [[Marj]]. Included within these forces were various tribal units. Elements of the Libyan military in Benghazi then seemingly joined them. There were also unconfirmed reports of forces loyal to Ibrahim Jadhran’s Cyrenaica federalist forces fighting alongside units loyal to Haftar.<ref name="16 May"/> |
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In [[Benghazi]], the Islamist armed groups have organized themselves into the [[Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries]]. These include: |
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* [[Ansar al-Sharia (Libya)|Ansar al-Sharia]] |
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* [[Libya Shield 1]] |
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* [[February 17th Martyrs Brigade]] |
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* [[Rafallah al-Sahati Brigade]] |
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The Shura Council of Benghazi has been strongly linked with [[ISIL]] as they fought together against Hafter in [[Battle of Benghazi (2014–2017)|Battle of Benghazi]]. However, the Shura Council never pledged allegiance to ISIL.<ref name="BBCGuide" /> |
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Although the Libyan Air Force and marines have close links with the [[Al-Saiqa (Libya)|Saiqa Special Forces Brigade]], neither the Brigade, nor the Benghazi Joint Security Room (BJSR), were seemingly involved. The BJSR former spokesperson, Colonel Mohammad Hejazi, spoke of Libyan military forces fighting "terrorist formations" in the Benghazi districts of Sidi Ferej and Hawari. Hejazi also claimed that Libyan "army forces" were now in control of a camp at Rafallah Al-Sahati. ''Libya Herald'' also claimed that an eyewitness had claimed to have seen tanks belonging to the Saiqa Brigade stationed on the road in front of its camp at Buatni. The Brigade called for Benghazi residents to avoid districts witnessing the clashes.<ref name="16 May"/> |
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Meanwhile, in [[Derna, Libya|Derna]] the main Islamist coalition [[Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna|Shura Council of Mujahideen]] which was formed in 2014 is an [[al-Qaeda]]-affiliated group. The coalition has been in fight with ISIL in 2015 and drove them out from the city.<ref name="BBCGuide" /> |
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As a result of the fighting the streets of Benghazi were largely empty and roads into Benghazi were effectively closed.<ref name="16 May"/> The fighting also resulted in the closure of [[Benina International Airport]], near Benghazi.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rt.com/news/159548-libya-benghazi-militias-clashes/|title=43 killed in Libya clashes, authorities close Benghazi airport|agency=[[RT (TV network)|RT]]|date=May 16, 2014|accessdate=July 15, 2014|deadurl=no |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140520225901/http://rt.com/news/159548-libya-benghazi-militias-clashes/|archivedate=May 20, 2014}}</ref> |
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[[Ajdabiya]] had its own Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries, which is the most ISIL linked among the three Shura councils. Its leader Muhammad al-Zawi and a number of the council pledging allegiance to ISIL played a major role in strengthening the Islamist group grip on [[Sirte]].<ref name="BBCGuide"/> |
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The following day, fighters from Rafallah al-Sahati and the 17 February Brigade also returned to their bases, from which they had been driven off the previous day.<ref name=nbc>{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/mideast/fighting-benghazi-leaves-dozens-dead-amid-libyan-violence-n107946|title=Fighting in Benghazi Leaves Dozens Dead Amid Libyan Violence|date=May 17, 2014|work=[[NBC News]]|archivedate=May 19, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140519155727/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/mideast/fighting-benghazi-leaves-dozens-dead-amid-libyan-violence-n107946|accessdate=May 23, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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==== Benghazi Defense Brigades ==== |
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[[Benghazi Defense Brigades]] was formed in June 2016 to defend Benghazi and the Shura Council from the [[Libyan National Army]], the Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB) included various [[Libya Dawn]] militias and was organized under the banner of the former [[Grand mufti]] [[Saddiq Al-Ghariyani]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Libyan revolutionary factions form Defend Benghazi Brigades |newspaper=The Libya Observer|date=2 June 2016 |url=http://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/libyan-revolutionary-factions-form-defend-benghazi-brigades |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603140324/http://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/libyan-revolutionary-factions-form-defend-benghazi-brigades |archive-date=3 June 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy}}</ref><ref name="OJA">{{cite web|date=6 June 2016 |title=Other Jihadi Actors |publisher=Eyes on ISIS in Libya |url=http://eyeonisisinlibya.com/other-jihadi-actors/other-6-june-2016/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608100410/http://eyeonisisinlibya.com/other-jihadi-actors/other-6-june-2016/ |archive-date=8 June 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy}}</ref> Even though it pledged to support the GNA<ref name="OJA" /> and apparently working under [[Mahdi Al-Barghathi]], the Defence Minister of the GNA.<ref name="Al-Jufra-attack">{{Cite news|date=8 December 2016 |title=Haftar's warplanes strike Al-Jufra airbase, kill one, injure 14 GNA Defence Ministry forces |newspaper=Libyan Express |url=http://www.libyanexpress.com/haftars-warplanes-strike-al-jufra-airbase-kill-one-injure-14-gna-defence-ministry-forces/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208202211/http://www.libyanexpress.com/haftars-warplanes-strike-al-jufra-airbase-kill-one-injure-14-gna-defence-ministry-forces/ |archive-date=8 December 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy}}</ref> The GNA never recognized the BDB with some members calling for it to be demarcated as a "terrorist organization".<ref name="LibyaAnalysis-1">{{cite web|date=22 June 2016 |title=Benghazi Defence Brigades is Causing More Fractions Among GNA and Eastern Militias |publisher=LibyaAnalysis |url=http://www.libya-analysis.com/benghazi-defence-brigades-is-causing-more-fractions-among-gna-and-eastern-militias/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624021446/http://www.libya-analysis.com/benghazi-defence-brigades-is-causing-more-fractions-among-gna-and-eastern-militias/ |archive-date=24 June 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy}}</ref> |
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On May 17, Haftar held a press conference in which he proclaimed that the current GNC was no longer representing the Libyan people and was illegitimate. He claimed to have uncovered evidence that the GNC had opened Libya's borders to avowed terrorists and had invited numerous international Islamist fighters to come to Libya, offering them Libyan passports. He explained that his primary aim was to “purge” Islamist militants from Libya, specifically the “terrorist” Muslim Brotherhood.<ref name="Haftar's press release">{{cite news|url=http://www.aawsat.net/2014/05/article55332486|title=Khalifa Haftar: My forces will reach Tripoli soon|last=Mahmoud |first=Khalid|date=May 22, 2014|newspaper=[[Asharq Al-Awsat]]|accessdate=May 31, 2014|deadurl=no |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140712012422/http://www.aawsat.net/2014/05/article55332486|archivedate=July 12, 2014}}</ref> |
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==== Amazigh militias ==== |
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Even though the [[Berbers|Amazigh]] militias mainly situated in [[Zuwara]] and [[Nafusa Mountains]] fought alongside Libya Dawn, they consider themselves pushed towards that because Zintan brigades and the rest of their enemies has been sided with HoR.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/libya-berbers-fear-ethnic-conflict-2014123065353199495.html|title=Libya's Berbers fear ethnic conflict|first=Karlos|last=Zurutuza|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=27 September 2018}}</ref> Still though, the Amazigh main motivations for fighting against Haftar is his [[Pan-Arab]]ic ideas which is conflicting with their demands of recognition their [[Tamazight|language]] in the constitution as an [[official language]]. |
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At a government press conference held as a response to the Benghazi assault, acting Prime Minister Abdullah Al-Thinni condemned the move by Haftar as illegal and claimed that the move undermined attempts to confront terrorism. Thinni had called Ansar al-Sharia a terrorist organisation earlier in May 2014.<ref name="16 May"/> |
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While keeping their enmity towards Haftar, the Amazigh militias mostly became neutral later in the war especially since the formation of GNA. |
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Thinni claimed that only 1 Libyan Air Force plane had taken part in the clashes, alongside 120 army vehicles, although eyewitnesses reported to CNN as having seen multiple aircraft involved in the assault.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/16/world/africa/libya-violence/|title=Renegade Libyan forces attack Benghazi militants as Tripoli protests|date=May 16, 2014|author=Jomana Karadsheh and Jason Hanna|accessdate=May 23, 2014|archivedate=May 19, 2014|agency=CNN|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140519061020/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/16/world/africa/libya-violence/|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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=== Operation Dignity === |
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Major General Abdulsalam Jad Allah Al-Salheen Al-Obaidi, the Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army, also condemned the attack by Haftar, and called forces loyal to him "intruders into Benghazi". Instead Obaidi urged “revolutionaries” in Benghazi to resist them.<ref name="16 May"/> |
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The anti-Islamist Operation Dignity forces are built around Haftar's faction of the Libyan National Army, including land, sea and air forces along with supporting local militias. |
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==== LNA ==== |
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The next day, Libya's army responded to Haftar's airstrikes by proclaiming a no-fly zone over Benghazi banning all flights over the city in a direct challenge to Haftar in order to prevent the paramilitary force from using air power against Islamist militias in the region.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/foreign/18-May-2014/libya-army-declares-no-fly-zone-over-benghazi|title=Libya army declares no-fly zone over Benghazi|date=May 18, 2014|work=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]|accessdate=May 23, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140524022659/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/foreign/18-May-2014/libya-army-declares-no-fly-zone-over-benghazi |archivedate=May 24, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News Online|deadurl=no|url= http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27459182|title=Libya sets Benghazi no-fly zone after clashes |date=May 18, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140519035417/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27459182|archivedate=May 19, 2014|accessdate=May 23, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|deadurl= no|url= http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/18/gunmen-storm-libyan-parliament|author=Chris Stephen |title=Gunmen storm Libyan parliament amid anti-government uprising|publisher=[[theguardian.com]]|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=May 18, 2014|accessdate=May 26, 2014|archivedate=May 24, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140524230802/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/18/gunmen-storm-libyan-parliament}}</ref> |
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[[File:General Haftar.jpg|thumb|upright|General [[Khalifa Haftar]]]] |
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The [[Libyan National Army]], formally known as "Libyan Arab Armed Forces", was gradually formed by General [[Khalifa Haftar]] as he fought in what he named [[Operation Dignity]]. On 19 May 2014, a number of Libyan military officers announced their support for Gen. Haftar, including officers in an air force base in [[Tobruk]], and others who have occupied a significant portion of the country's oil infrastructure, as well as members of an important militia group in Benghazi. Haftar then managed to gather allies from [[Bayda, Libya|Bayda]], 125 miles east of Benghazi.<ref name="WPost 3">{{cite news|access-date=21 May 2014|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/rival-militias-prepare-for-showdown-in-tripoli-after-takeover-of-parliament/2014/05/19/cb36acc2-df6f-11e3-810f-764fe508b82d_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801193526/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/rival-militias-prepare-for-showdown-in-tripoli-after-takeover-of-parliament/2014/05/19/cb36acc2-df6f-11e3-810f-764fe508b82d_story.html|archive-date=1 August 2014|author1=Abigail Hauslohner |author2=Sharif Abdel Kouddous |title=Khalifa Hifter, the ex-general leading a revolt in Libya, spent years in exile in Northern Virginia|date=20 May 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|url-status=live}}</ref> A minority portion of the [[Libya Shield Force]] had been reported to not have joined the Islamist forces, and it is not clear if this means they had joined the LNA forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/06/09/benghazi-libya-shield-protests-at-least-27-dead/#ixzz2neES20PM|title=Benghazi Libya Shield Protests: at least 27 dead|work=Libya Herald|date=9 June 2013 |access-date=14 October 2014}}</ref> |
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Since then Haftar continued to strengthen his LNA by recruiting new soldiers along with the advancements he made on the ground. In 2017 Haftar said that his forces are now larger by "hundred times" and now they are about 60 thousand soldiers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/133367/|title=حفتر: تعداد الجيش تضاعف 100 مرة.. و90% من خسائرنا نتيجة الألغام|work=Alwasat|access-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> |
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====Casualties==== |
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By the end of the first day Haftar's LNA had seemingly suffered 4 dead and 24 wounded. LNA dead and wounded were taken to a hospital in Marj. The number of dead and wounded from the Islamist groups was made difficult due to Ansar al-Sharia's policy of not releasing casualty reports. The 17th February Brigade similarly released no figures.<ref name="16 May"/> Overall, the resulting battle claimed between 70 and 75 lives.<ref name="CNN election announcement"/> |
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==== Salafist militias ==== |
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===May 18: Operation Dignity offensive in Tripoli=== |
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[[Salafi movement|Salafists]], called [[Madkhalism|Madkhalis]] by their enemies, fought alongside Haftar LNA since the beginning against the Islamist militias, especially [[Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries]] and [[Islamic State|IS]] whom they considered [[Khawarij]] after a [[fatwa]] from [[Saudi people|Saudi]] [[Rabee al-Madkhali]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://carnegie-mec.org/diwan/64846|title=Quite No More?|publisher=Carnegie Middle East Center|access-date=13 October 2016}}</ref> |
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Gen. Haftar’s militia allies backed by truck-mounted anti-aircraft guns, mortars and rocket fire attacked parliament, sending lawmakers fleeing for their lives as gunmen ransacked the legislature, declaring the body suspended. A commander in the military police in Libya read a statement announcing the body's suspension on behalf of a group led by Haftar.<ref>{{cite news |accessdate=May 22, 2014|deadurl=no|url=http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/05/18/libyan_lawmakers_run_for_lives_as_gunmen_ransack_legislature.html|title=Libyan lawmakers run for lives as gunmen ransack legislature|date=May 18, 2014|publisher=[[Toronto Star]]|agency=Associated Press|author=Exam Mohamed and Sarah El Deeb|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140522104923/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/05/18/libyan_lawmakers_run_for_lives_as_gunmen_ransack_legislature.html|archivedate=May 22, 2014}}</ref> |
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==== Zintan brigades ==== |
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The clashes began on the evening of Sunday 18 May, beginning first at the GNC building, before then spreading to Hay Al-Akwakh, particularly in the area of the steel bridge on the Airport road. Missiles were also reported to have fallen close to the TV station on Ennasr Street. Heavy firing was also heard in the Corniche area on the way to Mitiga airbase. The clashes however died down by the late evening.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/18/fighting-spreads-in-tripoli-as-brigades-move-against-gnc-attackers/#axzz325GqXom4|title=Fighting spreads in Tripoli as brigades move against GNC attackers; five dead|author=Ashraf Abdul-Wahab|date=May 18, 2014|newspaper=Libya Herald|accessdate=May 23, 2014|archivedate=May 26, 2014|deadurl=no |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140526024155/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/18/fighting-spreads-in-tripoli-as-brigades-move-against-gnc-attackers/#axzz325GqXom4}}</ref> |
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Since the [[Battle of Tripoli Airport]], armed groups associated with [[Zintan]] and the surrounding [[Nafusa]] region have become prominent. The Airport Security Battalion is recruited in large part from [[Zintan]]. The "Zintan Brigades" fall under the leadership of the Zintan Revolutionaries' Military Council. |
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==== Wershefana militias ==== |
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Later on Sunday evening a group of 5 officers, who identified themselves as the Leaders of the Libyan Army, announced the suspension of the General National Congress. The officers, under the lead of the Zintani former head of Military Intelligence, Col. Muktar Fernana, instead announced that the Constitutional Committee would carry out the work of the GNC. Under the plan al-Thinni's government was to remain in office, and would oversee the formation of military and security forces. The statement therefore blocked [[Ahmed Maiteeq]] from assuming the position of Prime Minister. Col. Fernana also proclaimed that the Libyan people "would never accept to be controlled by a group or organization which initiates terror and chaos".<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/19/the-leaders-of-the-libyan-national-army-suspend-the-gnc/#axzz325GqXom4|author=Ashraf Abdul Wahab|title="Leaders" of Libyan Army "suspend" GNC|date=May 18, 2014|accessdate=May 23, 2014|newspaper=Libya Herald|archivedate=May 26, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140526022851/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/19/the-leaders-of-the-libyan-national-army-suspend-the-gnc/#axzz325GqXom4|deadurl=no}}</ref> Col. Fernana claimed that Gen. Haftar had assigned a 60 member assembly to take over from the GNC, with the current government acting only on an emergency basis.<ref>{{cite news|author=Esam Mohamed and Sarah el Deeb|url=http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2014-05-18-ML-Libya/id-9e4cb50c5f1b4f5f8a97c3789225ed9e|title=Renegade Libyan general says parliament suspended|date=May 18, 2014|accessdate=May 23, 2014|agency=[[Associated Press]]|archivedate=May 19, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140519150719/http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2014-05-18-ML-Libya/id-9e4cb50c5f1b4f5f8a97c3789225ed9e|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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Wershefana tribal and mainly [[Gaddafi loyalists]] armed groups, from the area immediately south and west of Tripoli, have been active in and among Haftar forces west of Libya. |
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===May 19–20: Military commanders endorse Operation Dignity movement, some militias oppose it=== |
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On Monday 19 May Col. Wanis Abu Khamada, the commander of Libya's Special Forces, announced that his forces would be joining Haftar's operation against Islamist militant groups in Benghazi. Khamadas Special Forces had previously come under attack from Islamist militants in Benghazi, with dozens of members of the unit being killed. In his declaration Khamada announced that his unit would join Haftar's Libyan National Army "with all our men and weapons".<ref name="AJ Khamada">{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/05/libya-special-forces-join-renegade-general-201452055015140299.html|title=Libya special forces to join renegade general|date =May 20, 2014|accessdate=May 23, 2014|agency=[[Al Jazeera]]|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140526024442/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/05/libya-special-forces-join-renegade-general-201452055015140299.html|archivedate=May 26, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> Khamada argued that the operation was "the work of the people".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/20/benghazis-saiqa-special-forces-join-hafters-dignity-operation/#axzz32OMRrupB|author= Moutaz Ahmed|title=Benghazi’s Saiqa Special Forces join Hafter’s ‘Dignity Operation’|date=May 19, 2014|work=Libya Herald|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140522224606/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/20/benghazis-saiqa-special-forces-join-hafters-dignity-operation/#axzz32OMRrupB|archivedate=May 22, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> By Monday the death toll for Friday's clashes had reached 79.<ref name="AJ Khamada"/> However, the Tripoli-based [[Al-Qaeda]]-inspired Lions of Monotheism group announced that it would fight forces loyal to Gen. Haftar.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/05/armed-group-attacks-libyan-parliament-201451935057455872.html|title=Armed group attacks Libyan parliament|date=May 19, 2014|agency=Al Jazeera|accessdate=May 23, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140526040240/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/05/armed-group-attacks-libyan-parliament-201451935057455872.html|archivedate=May 26, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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On 5 August 2014, Warshefana forces captured Camp 27, a training base west of Tripoli.<ref name="libyaherald.com" /> Wershefana armed groups have also been involved in a tribal conflict with the neighbouring [[Zawiya District|Zawia]] city since 2011.<ref name="ReferenceB" /> Zawia has allied with Libya Dawn since August 2014,<ref name="libyaninsider.com" /> although its commitment to Libya Dawn is reportedly wavering.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> |
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Forty members of parliament,<ref name="40 MP's endorse Haftar">{{cite web|deadurl=no|url= http://www.worldbulletin.net/haber/137267/40-libyan-mps-pledge-support-to-renegade-general-haftar |title=40 Libyan MPs pledge support to renegade general Haftar|date=May 25, 2014|work= Worldbulletin News|accessdate=31 May 2014|location=[[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]]|archivedate=June 1, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140601020753/http://www.worldbulletin.net/haber/137267/40-libyan-mps-pledge-support-to-renegade-general-haftar}}</ref> and the heads of the navy,<ref name="Naval chief endorses">{{cite web|url=http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Rogue-general-gets-more-top-allies-20140521|title=Rogue general gets more top allies|date=21 May 2014|publisher=News 24|accessdate=31 May 2014|location=Cape Town, South Africa}}</ref> the air-force,<ref name="Air-force chief endorses">{{cite web|deadurl=no|url= http://www.nairaland.com/1748362/happening-now-libyas-interior-ministry|title=Libya's Interior Ministry Back Rebel General Khalifa Hifter|date= May 21, 2014|publisher=Nairaland|accessdate=May 31, 2014|location=[[Nigeria]]|archivedate=June 1, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140601005119/http://www.nairaland.com/1748362/happening-now-libyas-interior-ministry}}</ref> and much of the army have endorsed Haftar. On the evening of May 21 the [[National Forces Alliance]] issued a statement of support of Haftar, proclaiming that Libyans have found themselves "drowning in swamp of terrorism, darkness, killing and destruction". The following day the official Libyan news agency claimed that the Interior Ministry had announced its support for Haftar's operation, in direct contrast to the governments denunciation of the operation as a coup.<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=May 23, 2014|date=May 21, 2014|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/05/top-libyan-commander-joins-rebel-forces-2014521923299411.html|title=Top Libyan commander joins rebel forces|agency=[[Al Jazeera]]|deadurl =no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140526041940/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/05/top-libyan-commander-joins-rebel-forces-2014521923299411.html|archivedate=May 26, 2014}}</ref> |
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After being accused of [[kidnapping]], [[ransom]]ing and other crimes, a GNA joint force made up mostly from Zintan brigades seized the Wershefana district.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/joint-forces-seize-control-wershiffana-district|title=Joint forces seize control of Wershiffana district|work=The Libya Observer|access-date=8 November 2017|archive-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714221812/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/joint-forces-seize-control-wershiffana-district|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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The Libyan Revolutionaries Operations Room issued a call for serving military personnel to desert, claiming that they did not need the support of Haftar. The group called on its forces to temporarily withdraw from the Army, and to disclose to their commanders the names of anyone involved in attempting to kill either officials or members of the security forces. it would seek the prosecution of named individuals through the Attorney General’s office. In their announcement LROR claimed that they would lead the fight against criminals in Libya, and would carry on without Haftar or his operation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/21/libyan-revolutionaries-operations-room-call-on-army-members-to-desert/#axzz32OMRrupB|title=Libyan Revolutionaries Operations Room call on army members to desert|date=May 21, 2014|newspaper=Libya Herald|accessdate=May 23, 2014|archivedate=May 22, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140522230118/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/21/libyan-revolutionaries-operations-room-call-on-army-members-to-desert/#axzz32OMRrupB|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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==== Kaniyat militia ==== |
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In a televised statement late Wednesday Haftar appeared in a military uniform surrounded by military officers and accused the current Islamist-led parliament of turning Libya to a state "sponsoring terrorism" and a "hideout to terrorists" who infiltrated the joints of the state, wasted its resources and controlled its decision making. He asserted that the military wants the continuation of political life and stressed that the new council is a civilian one in an apparent attempt to defuse fears of militarizing the state.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/libya-general-calls-for-council-to-take-power/2014/05/21/dfa84714-e132-11e3-9442-54189bf1a809_story.html|title=Libya general calls for council to take power|date=May 21, 2014|accessdate=May 22, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> |
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Since the 2011 Libyan uprising against [[Muammar Gaddafi]], the Kaniyat militiamen dominated and brutalized the civilians in [[Tarhuna]] to deepen their control over the strategic city. Formed by the Kani brothers, the militia committed atrocities that became known in 2017. The militia allied with the [[Government of National Accord]] (GNA) in 2016, which considered the Kaniyat important for their control over the 7th Brigade, gateway to Tripoli from south Libya. Human rights activists and the residents said the GNA and the UN provided political support to the militia and "chose not to see" the abuses and killings.<ref name=WP-08-05-2021>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/libya-tarhuna-kaniyat-mass-graves/|title=Mass murder and the sin of silence|access-date=8 May 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> |
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In 2019, the Kaniyat militia aligned with the UAE-backed Khalifa Haftar and put their fighters under the general's 9th Brigade. Following that, the killings and disappearances in Tarhuna amplified. Over a decade until 2021, over 1,000 civilians were killed by the Kaniyat militia, where nearly 650 were killed in 14 months under Haftar. In 2020, the GNA forces successfully ousted the militia and the UAE-backed Haftar's forces and captured Tarhuna. Survivors reported of being tortured, electrocuted and beaten by the militia. Around 120 bodies were recovered from the mass graves, of which only 59 were identified.<ref name= WP-08-05-2021 /> |
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Tripoli residents reported several loud explosions earlier that day near the al-Yarmouk air defense barracks. This came after the air defense top commander Juma al-Abani released a video message saying he was joining Haftar's campaign against Islamists. Heavy fighting involving anti-aircraft machine guns mounted on trucks also broke out overnight near an army camp in [[Tajoura]], an eastern suburb. The city was quiet by dawn. The health ministry reported that at least two people from Mali died in the fighting.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/22/us-libya-violence-idUSBREA4K0QP20140522|title=Libyan renegade general challenges government as clashes rock Tripoli|date=May 21, 2014|accessdate=May 22, 2014|agency=Reuters|archivedate=May 25, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140525085155/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/22/us-libya-violence-idUSBREA4K0QP20140522|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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=== Ethnic tensions === |
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Ansar al-Sharia issued a statement denouncing Haftar's operation as a "war against the religious Muslim youth". The group instead claimed that they had been the subject of a hate campaign by those against Islam and Sharia, and that their opponents were the real terrorists. The group instead claimed that they wished to safeguard Muslim blood and had not hindered the building of Libya's security organisations. The group claimed that the campaign against them was being conducted by "evil television channels" and were led by "ex-regime sympathisers and secularists supported by their masters in the west". The group also asked tribes to prevent their sons from joining Haftars forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/21/ansar-al-sharia-says-hafter-is-waging-war-against-islam/#axzz32OMRrupB|title=Ansar Al-Sharia says Hafter is waging war against Islam|date=May 21, 2014|accessdate=May 23, 2014|work=Libya Herald|archivedate= May 22, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140522040432/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/21/ansar-al-sharia-says-hafter-is-waging-war-against-islam/#axzz32OMRrupB|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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In 2014, a former [[Muammar Gaddafi|Gaddafi]] officer reported to the ''[[New York Times]]'' that the civil war was now an "ethnic struggle" between Arab tribes (like the Zintanis) against those of [[Turks in Libya|Turkish ancestry]] (like the [[Misrata|Misuratis]]), as well as against [[Berbers]] and [[Circassians]].<ref name="Kirkpatrick">{{cite web|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|year=2014|title=Strife in Libya Could Presage Long Civil War|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/25/world/africa/libyan-unrest.html|access-date=18 September 2019|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> |
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== Effects == |
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===May 22–31: Weekly pro-Haftar demonstrations, political and military developments=== |
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[[File:Libya location map-oil & gas 2011-en.svg|thumb|right|Libyan oil fields, pipelines, refineries and storage]] |
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On both May 23 and May 30 after Friday prayers, tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied in various cities including Tripoli and Benghazi in support of Gen. Haftar and his campaign against Islamist militias and also in support of Haftar's calls to suspend parliament. In Benghazi, thousands of pro-Haftar demonstrators gathered outside Tibesti Hotel and in the city's Tahreer Square, as well as others in the city of Bayda further east. "No to militias, Libya will not become another Afghanistan" and "Yes to the army, yes to the police", their banners read. Meanwhile, crowds in Tripoli's Martyr's Square chanted against the parliament and in support of a national army and police force to replace the militias that run rampant in the country. They sang the national anthem as they waved the flag and carried banners that read "Yes to Dignity". They called for an official response to the militias. "Libya is in trouble, we want police, we want army", they chanted. While some Libyans don't back Haftar and don't want military rule, they support what he is doing.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jomana Karadsheh and Mohammed Tawfeeq|url= http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/23/world/africa/libya-protests/|title=Crowds rally in Libya to support retired general's campaign|date=May 23, 2014|agency=CNN|accessdate=May 24, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140526031543/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/23/world/africa/libya-protests/|archivedate=May 26, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Thousands-rally-in-support-of-rogue-Libyan-general/articleshow/35535573.cms|title=Thousands rally in support of rogue Libyan general|date= May 24, 2014|publisher=''[[The Times of India]]''|work=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]|accessdate=May 24, 2014|archivedate=May 24, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140524231656/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Thousands-rally-in-support-of-rogue-Libyan-general/articleshow/35535573.cms}}</ref><ref name="WPost 6">{{cite news|url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/thousands-across-libya-march-in-support-of-renegade-general-khalifa-hifter/2014/05/23/cc90da98-e2b7-11e3-8dcc-d6b7fede081a_story.html |title=Thousands across Libya march in support of reforms|date=May 23, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Sharif Abdel Kouddous|accessdate=May 24, 2014}}</ref> The protest, dubbed the "Friday of Dignity", took its name from the offensive launched by Haftar, one week ago in the eastern city of Benghazi. The demonstrations were some of the largest the country has seen since the uprising three years ago and were the first since then to be held simultaneously in cities across Libya, which put more pressure on the embattled Islamist-led parliament to offer concessions. The interim government issued a statement in support of Friday’s protests and reasserted its proposal this week to suspend parliament. "The participation of tens of thousands [in the protests] requires all to answer to the demands of the people who represent legitimacy that can't be ignored", the statement said.<ref name="WPost 6"/> |
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As of February 2015, damage and disorder from the war has been considerable.<ref name=Anderson-damage/> There are frequent electric outages, little business activity, and a loss in revenues from oil by 90%.<ref name=Anderson-damage/> Over 5,700 people died from the fighting by the end of 2016,<ref name="Body Count">{{cite web|publisher=Libya Body Count |url=http://www.libyabodycount.org/|title=Libya Body Count|date=December 2016|access-date=29 April 2021}}</ref> and some sources claim nearly a third of the country's population has fled to [[Tunisia]] as [[refugees]].<ref name=Anderson-damage>{{cite magazine|last1=Anderson|first1=Jon Lee|title=Letter from Libya. The Unravelling|magazine=The New Yorker|date=23 February 2015|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/23/unravelling|access-date=18 February 2015|quote=There is no overstating the chaos of post-Qaddafi Libya. Two competing governments claim legitimacy. Armed militias roam the streets. The electricity is frequently out of service, and most business is at a standstill; revenues from oil, the country's greatest asset, have dwindled by more than ninety per cent. Some three thousand people have been killed by fighting in the past year, and nearly a third of the country's population has fled across the border to Tunisia.}}</ref> |
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Since Field Marshal [[Khalifa Haftar]] had captured the ports of Libya's state-run oil company, [[National Oil Corporation|the National Oil Corporation]], in Es Sider and Ra's Lanuf, oil production has risen from 220,000 barrels a day to about 600,000 barrels per day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/libya-militias-battle-for-control-of-oil-ports|title=As The Power Struggle Endures, Libya Eyes 900,000 Bpd Oil Output|work=The National}}</ref> |
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In opposition to Haftar, Islamist militias from Misrata, known collectively as the Libyan Central Shield, have deployed in the capital amid a standoff with forces loyal to Haftar.<ref name="WPost 5">{{cite news|url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/in-libya-fears-of-all-out-war-as-islamist-militias-allied-with-parliament-deploy-in-capital/2014/05/22/d96165ce-e1e7-11e3-810f-764fe508b82d_story.html|title=In Libya, fears of all-out war as Islamist militias allied with parliament deploy in capital|date=May 23, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|accessdate=May 23, 2014}}</ref> They are under the command of the country's chief of staff who answers to the GNC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/islamist-led-militias-deploy-in-libya-s-capital-529056|title=Islamist-Led Militias Deploy in Libya's Capital|date=May 22, 2014|publisher=[[NDTV]]|accessdate=May 23, 2014|archivedate=May 23, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140523225845/http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/islamist-led-militias-deploy-in-libya-s-capital-529056|deadurl=no}}</ref> This followed calls by the head of the now boycotted GNC and the army chief on the Islamist militias to defend the interests of the Islamist backed position of the GNC.<ref name="WPost 5"/><ref>{{cite news|accessdate=May 23, 2014|url= http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/05/18/renegade-libyan-general-says-parliament-suspended/9260289/|title=Libya orders Islamist militias to oppose rogue general|date=May 19, 2014|work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref name="Islamist GNC boycotted">{{cite news|accessdate=May 31, 2014|url=http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/africa/59346-fears-libya-reserves-rival-claims|title= Fears for Libya reserves as rival cabinets lay claim|date=31 May 2014|agency=Agence France-Presse |deadurl=no|archivedate=May 31, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140531181728/http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/africa/59346-fears-libya-reserves-rival-claims}}</ref> |
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The war has prompted a considerable number of the country's sizeable foreign labour force to leave the country as extremist groups such as ISIL have targeted them; prior to the 2011, the Egyptian Ministry of Labour estimated that there were two million Egyptians working in the country yet since the escalation of attacks on Egyptian labourers the Egyptian Foreign Ministry estimates more than 800,000 Egyptians have left the country to return to Egypt.<ref>{{cite journal| last1=Salah|first1=Maha|title=Trapped at the crossroads|journal=Zenith|date=27 July 2019|url=https://magazine.zenith.me/en/society/egyptian-labourers-libya|access-date=8 August 2019}}</ref> |
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Meanwhile, within the Libyan government itself, an intense power struggle has emerged between Maiteeq and Thinni for leadership of the Libyan government, including conflicting orders and statements.<ref name="Thinni refuses hand-over">{{cite news|last=Elumami|first=Ahmed|title=Libya standoff emerges as premier refuses to yield to successor|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/28/us-libya-crisis-idUSKBN0E827T20140528|agency=Reuters|accessdate=May 31, 2014|author2=Patrick Markey|date=May 28, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140531181728/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/28/us-libya-crisis-idUSKBN0E827T20140528|archivedate=May 31, 2014}}</ref> On May 28, Operation Dignity forces carried out airstrikes on the [[February 17th Martyrs Brigade]], one of the biggest and best-trained Islamist militias in eastern Libya. The Islamists allegedly responded with anti-aircraft fire.<ref name="2nd Operation Dignity aerial attack">{{cite news|title=Haftar forces bomb jihadist camp in Benghazi|url=http://middle-east-online.com/English/?id=66242|work=Middle East Online|accessdate= May 31, 2014|date=May 28, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140531170632/http://middle-east-online.com/English/?id=66242|archivedate=May 31, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Mohamed|first=Essam|title=Airstrikes target militia camp in eastern Libyan|url= https://news.yahoo.com/airstrikes-target-militia-camp-eastern-libyan-152159846.html|date=May 28, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=Yahoo! News|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140531170632/https://news.yahoo.com/airstrikes-target-militia-camp-eastern-libyan-152159846.html|archivedate=August 9, 2014}}</ref> |
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[[Land mines]] remain a persistent threat in the country as numerous militias, especially ISIL, have made heavy use of land mines and other hidden explosives; the rapidly changing front lines has meant many of these devices remain in areas out of active combat zones; civilians remain the primary casualties inflicted by land mines with mines alone killing 145 people and wounding another 1,465 according to the [[International Committee of the Red Cross]] (ICRC).<ref>{{cite journal| last1=Nashed|first1=Mat|title=The Clearing Ahead|journal=Zenith|date=16 January 2019|url=https://libya.zenith.me/en/society/demining-libya}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.acleddata.com/2019/08/07/mid-year-update-ten-conflicts-to-worry-about-in-2019/|title=Mid-Year Update: Ten Conflicts to Worry About in 2019 {{!}} Acled Data|last=Kishi|first=Roudabeh|date=2019-08-07|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-10-04|archive-date=4 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004011304/https://www.acleddata.com/2019/08/07/mid-year-update-ten-conflicts-to-worry-about-in-2019/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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In a report, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) revealed that it had registered over 45,600 refugees and asylum seekers in Libya during 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/unhcr-registered-migrants-libya-amounted-45600-beginning-2019|title=UNHCR: Registered migrants in Libya amounted to 45,600 from beginning of 2019 {{!}} The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|language=en|access-date=2019-10-09|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803124434/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/unhcr-registered-migrants-libya-amounted-45600-beginning-2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> The World Food Programme reported that an estimated 435,000 people had been forcibly displaced from their homes during the conflict.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Assistance to People Affected by the Crisis in Libya {{!}} World Food Programme|url=https://www.wfp.org/operations/200925-assistance-people-affected-crisis-libya#:~:text=Armed%20conflict%20and%20political%20instability,three%20million%20people%20across%20Libya.&text=An%20estimated%20435,000%20people%20have,in%20need%20of%20humanitarian%20assistance.|access-date=2020-06-09|website=www.wfp.org}}</ref> |
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===June=== |
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On June 2, fighting re-erupts in Benghazi when Ansar al-Sharia militants attacked Haftar's forces, the latter responding with combat helicopter strikes in the west of the city. At least 22 people were killed and 70 wounded, with both sides accusing one another of indiscriminate firing on residential areas. It started the previous day, when aircraft pounded one of the militants' compounds in region. The education ministry closed schools and postponed exams until the violence is quelled and hospitals called for blood donations. Residents in south Benghazi set up checkpoints to avoid being taken by cross-fire in case rival fighters decided to take shelter in their homes. There was also fighting in the eastern town of Al-Marj where dozens were wounded.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27660030|title=Libya fighting: 18 killed in Benghazi|date=June 2, 2014|accessdate=July 30, 2014|work=BBC News Online|archivedate =June 5, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140605061317/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27660030|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name="AP June 3">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url= http://bigstory.ap.org/article/islamist-militia-help-new-libyan-pm-seize-office|title=Islamist militia helps new Libyan PM take office|date=June 3, 2014|accessdate=July 30, 2014|author= Mohamed, Esam|archivedate=August 8, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808093414/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/islamist-militia-help-new-libyan-pm-seize-office|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dw.de/more-fighting-grips-libyas-benghazi/a-17677091|title= More fighting grips Libya's Benghazi|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=June 2, 2014|accessdate=July 30, 2014|archivedate=June 26, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140626173106/http://www.dw.de/more-fighting-grips-libyas-benghazi/a-17677091}}</ref> |
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On 22 October 2019, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that children have been suffering from different sorts of malnutrition in the war-torn nations, including Libya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/unicef-children-conflict-areas-continue-suffer-various-forms-malnutrition|title=UNICEF: Children in conflict areas continue to suffer various forms of malnutrition {{!}} The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|language=en|access-date=2019-10-22|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803080715/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/unicef-children-conflict-areas-continue-suffer-various-forms-malnutrition|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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The next day, Libya's new prime minister [[Ahmed Maiteeq]] took office following his previous election by Libya's Islamist-dominated parliament in a contested vote. This was during a power struggle between him and outgoing PM [[Abdullah al-Thani]]. Maiteeq was surrounded by an Islamist militia, the Libyan Central Shield, who escorted him to the cabinet building to assume his new post and hold his first cabinet meeting after Al-Thani ordered his forces guarding the building to stand down in order to avoid bloodshed. Al-Thani called on the [[General National Congress]] to wait until the country's Supreme Constitutional Court decides whether the Maiteeq's election is legal or not, while Islamist lawmakers who back the new prime minister blamed Al-Thani for Benghazi's violence and accused him of failing to restore security and of preventing the transition of power in favor of Maiteeq.<ref name="AP June 3"/> |
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Executive Director of UNICEF said on 18 January 2020, that thousands of Libyan children were at risk of being killed due to the ongoing conflict in Libya. Since hostile clashes between the Libyan government and Haftar's LNA forces (backed by the UAE and Egypt) have broken out in Tripoli and western Libya, conditions of children and civilians have worsened.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2020/01/17/tens-of-thousands-of-libyan-children-at-risk-amidst-violence-and-chaos-of-unrelenting-conflict/|title=Tens of thousands of Libyan children at risk amidst violence and chaos of unrelenting conflict|website=Libya Herald|date=17 January 2020 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-19}}</ref> |
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On June 4, four people were killed and several others were wounded, among them was air division chief Gen. Saghr al-Jerushi, in an assassination attempt on Gen. Haftar in his home in the town of Abyar east of Benghazi. Haftar himself survived the attack which took place when a vehicle exploded in a farmhouse where the general held his meetings. His spokesman accused Islamist militias of being behind the attempt.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27696485|title=Gen Khalifa Haftar: Libya bomb targets home near Benghazi|work=BBC News Online| date=June 4, 2014|accessdate=July 30, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140605174539/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27696485|archivedate=June 5, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-renegade-general-libya-assassination-attempt-20140604-story.html|title=Renegade general in Libya survives assassination attempt, aide says|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=June 4, 2014|accessdate=July 30, 2014|author= Hassan, Amro|archivedate=June 5, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140605214155/http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-renegade-general-libya-assassination-attempt-20140604-story.html}}</ref> The same day, Michael Greub, a 42-year old [[Switzerland|Swiss]] national who was head of the [[International Committee of the Red Cross]] sub-delegation in Misrata, was killed in the city of [[Sirte]] when his vehicle was ambushed by masked gunmen right after he left a meeting with two other colleagues. The attackers opened fire on the car, killing him, while his driver and escort managed to escape unharmed. [[Yves Daccord]], the ICRC's director-general condemned the attack and said that the organization was "devastated and outraged".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/04/world/africa/libya-violence/ |title=Red Cross official fatally shot in Libya|agency=CNN|date=June 4, 2014|accessdate=July 30, 2014|author1=Botelho, Greg|author2=Ellis, Ralph|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140809194232/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/04/world/africa/libya-violence/|archivedate=August 9, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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The blockade on Libya's major oil fields and production units by Haftar's forces has sown losses of over $255 million within the six-day period ending 23 January, according to the National Oil Corporation in Libya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyanexpress.com/six-days-of-oil-blockade-have-cost-libya-255-million-noc-says/|title=Six days of oil blockade have cost Libya $255 million, NOC says|date=2020-01-25|website=Libyan Express|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-27}}</ref> The NOC and ENI, which runs Mellitah Oil & Gas in Libya, have suffered a production loss of 155,000 oil barrels per day due to the blockade on production facilities imposed by Haftar's LNA. The entities claim losing revenue of around $9.4mn per day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.oilandgasmiddleeast.com/drilling-production/35946-eni-and-libya-nocs-joint-venture-is-losing-94mn-per-day|title=ENI and Libya NOC's joint venture is losing $9.4mn per day|website=Oil & Gas Middle East|date=2 February 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-02-02}}</ref> |
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The Supreme Constitutional Court of Libya said on June 5 that Ahmed Maiteeq's election was illegal. "The election of Ahmed Maitiq took place without a majority of votes and his appointment was unconstitutional," the court stated. ''[[Al Arabiya]]'' reported that Abdullah al-Thani and his interim government left the capital for [[Bayda, Libya|Bayda]] after being threatened by militia groups that support Maiteeq.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.voanews.com/content/election-of-libyan-prime-minister-violated-constitution-court-says/1930033.html|title=Libya's Supreme Court Declares PM's Election Illegal|work=Voice of America|date=June 5, 2014|accessdate=July 30, 2014|author=Yeranian, Edward|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140716163415/http://www.voanews.com/content/election-of-libyan-prime-minister-violated-constitution-court-says/1930033.html|archivedate=July 16, 2014}}</ref> The following day, Libya's intelligence chief Salem al-Hassi submitted his resignation, expressing disapproval over the parliament's insistence on appointing Maiteeq in contested circumstances.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.salon.com/2014/06/05/libyas_intel_chief_resigns_over_power_struggle/|title=Libya’s intel chief resigns over power struggle|work=[[Salon (website)|Salon]]|agency=Associated Press|date=June 6, 2014|accessdate=July 30, 2014|author=Mohamed, Esam|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140809193850/http://www.salon.com/2014/06/05/libyas_intel_chief_resigns_over_power_struggle/|deadurl=no |archivedate=August 9, 2014}}</ref> [[Tarek Mitri]], head of the [[United Nations Support Mission in Libya]], announced an initiative for dialogue bringing together the country's political forces, expressing concern over the violence in Benghazi.<ref>{{cite web|date=June 6, 2014|url= http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47977#.U9kKqbHiA0U|title=Libya: UN announces political initiative as concern deepens over violence in the east|publisher=United Nations News Center|accessdate=July 30, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140716163415/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47977#.U9kKqbHiA0U|archivedate=August 9, 2014}}</ref> On the same day, Haftar's forces launched air raids on Islamist bases in Benghazi's Sidi Faraj and al-Qawarsheh and destroyed an ammunition warehouse in [[Derna, Libya|Derna]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_06_06/Libyan-military-aircraft-attack-Islamists-in-Benghazi-6005/|title=Libyan military aircraft attack Islamists in Benghazi|work=The Voice of Russia|date=June 6, 2014|accessdate=July 30, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140607010635/http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_06_06/Libyan-military-aircraft-attack-Islamists-in-Benghazi-6005/|archivedate=June 7, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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Since the beginning of Libyan conflict, thousands of refugees forced to live in detention centres are suffering from mental health problems, especially women and children, who are struggling to confront the deaths of their family members in the war.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scidev.net/global/health/feature/depression-takes-a-heavy-toll-on-libyans.html|title= Depression takes a heavy toll on Libyans {{!}} SCI DEV NET|website=www.scidev.net|language=en|access-date=2020-01-28}}</ref> |
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On June 9, the Supreme Constitutional Court gave its final ruling on Maiteeq's contested vote, declaring that it was unconstitutional and invalid without citing a legal basis for the decision. The GNC accepted the ruling via a statement by the parliament's second deputy speaker. Maiteeq stepped down shortly after, saying that he would be "the first" to comply with the judiciary's ruling. "Abdullah al-Thani is the caretaker prime minister until congress learns the court's reasons for deciding Maiteeq's election was unconstitutional," he said.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/09/uk-libya-politics-idUKKBN0EK0W320140609|title=Libyan court says PM's election invalid, raising hopes of end to stalemate|agency=Reuters|date=June 9, 2014|accessdate=August 1, 2014|author1=Elumani, Ahmed|author2=Laessing, Ulf|archivedate=August 8, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808050144/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/09/uk-libya-politics-idUKKBN0EK0W320140609}}</ref> The next day, Haftar announced that he had agreed to a ceasefire deal brokered by the Crisis Committee appointed by the government which also includes dialogue with other warring parties. The deal was attempted to allow Libyans to vote during GNC elections that were to be held on June 25 after parliament agreed to dissolve itself following a ruling by the country's elections commission.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/10/us-libya-elections-truce-idUSKBN0EL1XJ20140610|title= Libyan renegade general agrees to ceasefire during June 25 election|agency=Reuters|date=June 10, 2014|accessdate=August 2, 2014|author1=Bosalum, Feras|author2=Laessing, Ulf|archivedate=August 8, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808155310/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/10/us-libya-elections-truce-idUSKBN0EL1XJ20140610}}</ref><ref name="MEE June 11">{{cite news|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/ansar-al-sharia-deny-ceasefire-dictator-haftar-libya-2035964673|title=Ansar al-Sharia deny ceasefire with 'dictator Haftar' in Libya|newspaper=[[Middle East Eye]]|date=June 11, 2014|accessdate=August 2, 2014|archivedate=August 9, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140809194500/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/ansar-al-sharia-deny-ceasefire-dictator-haftar-libya-2035964673}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agi.it/flash-news/articles/201406111025-cro-ren1012-benghazi_ceasefire_accepted_by_libya_s_general_haftar|title=Benghazi ceasefire accepted by Libya's General Haftar|publisher=[[Agenzia Giornalistica Italia]]|date=June 11, 2014|accessdate= August 2, 2014|archivedate=August 9, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140809194720/http://www.agi.it/flash-news/articles/201406111025-cro-ren1012-benghazi_ceasefire_accepted_by_libya_s_general_haftar}}</ref> Meanwhile, Ansar al-Sharia denied reports that it would hold talks with Haftar. "We have not reached agreement with the Crisis Committee, and we did not even agree to negotiate with this dictator [Haftar]," the group said in a statement. This came after the body of one of Ansar al-Sharia's leaders, Al-Mahdi Saad Abu al-Abyad, was found south of Derna. However, the militia group added that it would welcome any talks with tribal leaders instead.<ref name="MEE June 11"/> On June 11, a suicide car bomber targeted a checkpoint manned by fighters loyal to Gen. Haftar in Benghazi.<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=August 2, 2014|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/12/benghazi-suicide-bomb-libya-khalifa-haftar|title=Benghazi suicide bomb targets rogue Libyan general's fighters|newspaper=The Guardian|agency=Associated Press|date=June 12, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140717223137/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/12/benghazi-suicide-bomb-libya-khalifa-haftar |archivedate=July 17, 2014}}</ref> The lorry exploded upon arriving at the post, killing the perpetrator and injuring five soldiers, one losing his leg.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 12, 2014|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/10894085/Five-Libyan-police-injured-in-suicide-bombing.html|title=Five Libyan police injured in suicide bombing |newspaper=The Telegraph|agency=Agence France-Press|accessdate=August 2, 2014|author=Wilson, Steve|deadurl=no|archivedate=July 19, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140719193129/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/10894085/Five-Libyan-police-injured-in-suicide-bombing.html}}</ref> |
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On 7 February 2020, the UNHCR reported that the overall number of migrants intercepted by the Libyan coast guard in January surged 121% against the same period in 2019. The ongoing war has turned the country into a huge haven for migrants fleeing violence and poverty in Africa and the Middle East.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/major-rise-in-migrants-stopped-off-libya-un-refugee-agency-6259994/|title=Libya has been slowed by a sharp rise in migrants: UN refugee aid {{!}} Techno Ea|last=Gleason|first=Renee|date=10 February 2020|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref> |
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On June 15, Haftar's forces launched a new assault on a number of jihadist camps in western Benghazi. The offensive consisted of tanks and rocket launchers and explosions were heard throughout the city. The general's spokesman said that the forces managed to capture several senior Islamists, among them were five militant leaders. An electricity plant near the city's airport was hit by rockets, causing power outages. The number of casualties was unclear but hospital sources indicated that 12 people were killed during the clashes, among them five soldiers and three civilians.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/15/us-libya-violence-idUSKBN0EQ0F120140615|title=Renegade general launches offensive in east Libya, up to 12 killed|agency=Reuters|date=June 15, 2014|accessdate=August 6, 2014|author1=Al-Warfalli, Ayman|author2=Laessing, Ulf|deadurl=no|archivedate=July 14, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140714125054/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/15/us-libya-violence-idUSKBN0EQ0F120140615}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27862365|title=Libya crisis: More deadly clashes in Benghazi|work=BBC News Online|date=June 15, 2014|accessdate=August 6, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808060802/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27862365|archivedate=August 8, 2014}}</ref> |
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On 6 April, an armed group invaded a control station in Shwerif, the [[Great Man-Made River]] project, stopped water from being pumped to [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]], and threatened the workers. The armed group's move was a way to pressure and force the release of the detained family members. On 10 April 2020, the [[United Nations]] humanitarian coordinator for Libya, Yacoub El Hillo condemned the water supply cutoff as "particularly reprehensible".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-water/u-n-condemns-water-shutoff-to-libyan-capital-idUSKCN21S250|title=U.N. condemns water shutoff to Libyan capital|access-date=10 April 2020|website=Reuters|date=10 April 2020}}</ref> |
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On June 17, American special forces and FBI personnel captured [[Ahmed Abu Khattala]], whom they suspect to have a connection with the [[2012 Benghazi attack|2012 attack in Benghazi]] that killed US ambassador [[Christopher Stevens]] and three other American nationals. President [[Barack Obama]] said that Abu Khattalah will face "the full weight of the American justice system".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/17/us-captures-libyan-suspect-benghazi-attack|title=US captures Libyan suspect accused in Benghazi embassy attack| newspaper=The Guardian|date=June 17, 2014|accessdate=August 7, 2014|author=Ackerman, Spencer |deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140703004908/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/17/us-captures-libyan-suspect-benghazi-attack|archivedate=July 3, 2014}}</ref> |
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On 21 April 2020, the [[UN]] took in to consideration the "dramatic increase" of shelling on densely populated areas of [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]], and claimed that continuation of war is worsening the humanitarian situation of [[Libya]]. The organisation also warned that such activities could possibly lead to war crimes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/576ea44d3b6c11dde2163c09b7a37445|title=UN in Libya warns of possible war crimes as fighting rages|access-date=21 April 2020|website=Associated Press|date=21 April 2020 }}</ref> |
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On June 22, Gen. Haftar gave a 48-hour ultimatum for Turkish and Qatari nationals to leave eastern Libya, accusing both countries of supporting terrorism in the country.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/22/uk-libya-security-idUKKBN0EX0EW2014062|title=Renegade general urges Turks, Qataris to leave east Libya|agency=Reuters|date=June 22, 2014|accessdate= August 7, 2014|author=Laessing, Ulf|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140703004908/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/22/uk-libya-security-idUKKBN0EX0EW2014062|archivedate=August 9, 2014}}</ref> |
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The [[United Nations Support Mission in Libya]] (UNSMIL) in its first quarter report for 2020 on the civilian casualty in Libya cited that approximately 131 casualties have taken place between 1 January and 31 March 2020. The figures included 64 deaths and 67 injuries, all of which were a result of the ground fighting, bombing and targeted killing led by [[Khalifa Haftar]]'s army, the [[Libyan National Army|LNA]], backed by the [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://unsmil.unmissions.org/civilian-casualties-report-1-january-31-march-2020-1|title=Civilian Casualties Report 1 January- 31 March 2020|access-date=30 April 2020|website=United Nations|date=30 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://unsmil.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/first_quarter_civilian_casualty_report_2020_1.pdf|title=CIVILIAN CASUALTIESREPORT 1 JANUARY-31 MARCH 2020|access-date=30 April 2020|website=United Nations}}</ref> |
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Libya Body Count claimed June saw 43 people killed in fighting.<ref name="Body Count"/> |
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On 5 May 2020, The [[International Criminal Court]]'s chief prosecutor [[Fatou Bensouda]], raised concerns over the continuous spree of attacks by Haftar on [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]]. The prosecutor said that actions endanger lives and warned of possible [[war crimes]] due to current affairs. "Of particular concern to my Office are the high numbers of civilian casualties, largely reported to be resulting from airstrikes and shelling operations," she expressed in a statement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/icc-warns-of-war-crimes-in-libya-as-haftar-presses-on/1830407|title=ICC warns of war crimes in Libya as Haftar presses on|access-date=6 May 2020|website=Anadolu Agency}}</ref> |
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===July: Operation Dawn and fall of Benghazi to Anti-Haftar forces=== |
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On 13 July, the mainly Islamist [[Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room]] (LROR), later joined by militias from Misrata and Tripoli, launched an offensive codenamed "Operation Dawn" on [[Tripoli International Airport]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/07/28/whats-behind-libyas-spiraling-violence/|title=What’s behind Libya’s spiraling violence?|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=July 29, 2014|accessdate=August 7, 2014|author=Wehrey, Frederic}}</ref> thus beginning the [[Battle of Tripoli Airport]]. The following day, the [[United States Support Mission in Libya]] evacuated its staff after 13 people were killed in clashes in Tripoli and Benghazi. The fighting, between government forces and rival militia groups, also forced Tripoli's airport to close. A militia, including members of the LROR, tried to seize control of the airport from the Qaaqaa & Sawaiq Brigades<ref>{{cite news|last=Abdul-Wahab|first=Ashraf |date=30 July 2014 |title=Misrata force accuses Zintanis of attacking Tripoli fuel depot|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/07/30/misrata-force-accuses-zintanis-of-attacking-tripoli-fuel-depot/#axzz395RDIHsn|newspaper=Libya Herald|location=Tripoli|accessdate=}}</ref> of the [[Zintan Brigade|Zintani militia]], which has controlled it since Gaddafi was toppled. Both the attacking and defending militias are believed to be on the official payroll.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/14/us-libya-violence-idUSKBN0FJ0ZT20140714|title=U.N. pulls staff out of Libya as clashes kill 13, close airports|agency=Reuters|date=July 14, 2014|accessdate=August 1, 2014|author1=Al-Warfalli, Ayman|author2=Bosalum, Feras|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140714182227/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/14/us-libya-violence-idUSKBN0FJ0ZT20140714|archivedate= July 14, 2014}}</ref><ref name="BBC July 15">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28304004|title=New rocket attack on Tripoli airport|work=BBC News Online|date=July 15, 2014|accessdate=August 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140715001754/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28304004|archivedate=July 15, 2014}}</ref> In addition [[Misrata Airport]] was closed, due to its dependence on Tripoli International Airport for its operations. Government spokesman, Ahmed Lamine, stated that approximately 90% of the planes stationed at Tripoli International Airport were destroyed or made inoperable in the attack, and that the government may make an appeal for international forces to assist in reestablishing security.<ref name="BBC July 15"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://rt.com/news/172780-tripoli-airport-attack-libya/?utm_source=browser&utm_medium=aplication_chrome&utm_campaign=chrome|title=90% of aircraft destroyed at Tripoli airport, Libya may seek international assistance|agency=RT|date= July 15, 2014|accessdate=August 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140718223440/http://rt.com/news/172780-tripoli-airport-attack-libya/?utm_source=browser&utm_medium=aplication_chrome&utm_campaign=chrome|archivedate=July 18, 2014}}</ref> A week of prolonged fighting between rival militias in Tripoli airport resulted in at least 47 deaths: the battle involved use of artillery and [[BM-21 Grad|Grad]] rockets.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-libya-oil-output-slips-fresh-fighting-in-tripoli/1962860.html|title=Libya Oil Output Slips, Fresh Fighting in Tripoli|agency=Voice of America |work=Reuters|date=July 22, 2014|accessdate=August 1, 2014|archivedate=July 23, 2014|deadurl=no |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140723010601/http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-libya-oil-output-slips-fresh-fighting-in-tripoli/1962860.html}}</ref> |
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[[File:Marines secure departure of Tripoli Embassy personnel.jpg|thumb|US Marines readying at Naval Air Station Sigonella to evacuate the US Embassy in Tripoli.]] |
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On 26 July, the United States evacuated its embassy in Tripoli, moving all State Department employees to Tunisia.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/happening-libya/story?id=24727437 | title=What Is Happening in Libya | publisher=ABC News | date=July 26, 2014 | accessdate=August 1, 2014 | author=Mohney, Gillian}}</ref> |
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On 10 November 2020, prominent Libyan activist, [[Hanane Al-Barassi|Hanane al-Barassi]], was killed in [[Benghazi]]. The 46-year-old Barassi was an outspoken critic of humanitarian abuses committed in the eastern areas controlled by [[UAE]]-backed [[Khalifa Haftar]]'s [[Libyan National Army]] (LNA). She was known for giving voice to female victims of violence through the videos she posted on [[social media]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/10/gunmen-shoot-dead-female-libyan-dissident-in-busy-benghazi-street|title=Gunmen shoot dead female Libyan dissident in busy Benghazi street|access-date=10 November 2020|website=The Guardian|date=10 November 2020}}</ref> |
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On 27 July, (last day of the [[fasting]] month of [[Ramadan]] in Libya) an oil depot near Tripoli International Airport was hit by rocket fire, igniting a large blaze. The oil depot has a capacity of 6 million liters, and nearby liquid gas storage facilities were at risk of being ignited by the blaze. Libyan TV stations urged residents to evacuate the area.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/38-killed-libyan-forces-battle-militias-east-24730786|title=Oil Depot Catches Fire Amid Clashes in Tripoli|work=ABC News|agency=Associated Press|date=July 28, 2014|accessdate=August 1, 2014|author =Youssef, Maamoun|archivedate=July 29, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140729202117/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/38-killed-libyan-forces-battle-militias-east-24730786}}</ref> By 28 July ([[Eid al-Fitr]] day in Libya), firefighters had withdrawn from the site due to fighting in the area, though the fire was not yet under control.<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=August 1, 2014|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/thomson-reuters/140728/blaze-at-fuel-tanks-near-tripoli-s-airport-out-control-noc-spok|title=Blaze at fuel tanks near Tripoli’s airport out of control: NOC spokesman|work=GlobalPost|agency=Reuters|date=July 28, 2014|author1=El Yaakoubi, Aziz|author2=Williams, Alison|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140729202117/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/thomson-reuters/140728/blaze-at-fuel-tanks-near-tripoli-s-airport-out-control-noc-spok|archivedate=August 9, 2014}}</ref> |
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== Timeline == |
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On 29 July, Islamist groups including [[Ansar al-Sharia (Benghazi)|Ansar al-Sharia]] seized a military base in Benghazi that served as the headquarters of the [[Al-Saiqa (Libya)|Saiqa Special Forces Brigade]]; a unit that supports General [[Khalifa Haftar]].<ref>{{cite web|date=July 30, 2014|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/07/30/islamists-seize-key-benghazi-army-base |title=Islamists seize key Benghazi army base|publisher=[[Special Broadcasting Service]]|work= Australian Associated Press|accessdate=August 1, 2014|archivedate=July 30, 2014|deadurl=no |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140730041551/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/07/30/islamists-seize-key-benghazi-army-base}}</ref> Saiqa Special Forces officer Fadel Al-Hassi claimed that Saiqa abandoned the base, which included both Camp 36 in the Bu Attni district as well as the special forces school, after coming under heavy shelling. The battle for the base involved the use of rockets and warplanes, and resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people. During the fighting a pro-Haftar MiG crashed into waste ground in Kuwaifiya, although the pilot however managed to eject. Operation Dignity Spokesperson Mohamed Hejazi claimed that the aircraft had suffered a technical malfunction, and insisted it had not been shot down.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL6N0Q44HG20140729?sp=true|title=Libyan militants overrun Benghazi special forces base as chaos deepens|publisher=Reuters Africa|date= July 29, 2014|accessdate=August 1, 2014|author=Al-Warfalli, Ayman|archivedate=August 8, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808045426/http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL6N0Q44HG20140729?sp=true}}</ref> Following the fall of the base, video footage emerged of Mohamed al-Zahawi, the head of Ansar al-Sharia, as well as Wissam Ben Hamid, the leader of Libya Shield 1, standing outside the base.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/newsbriefs/general/2014/07/30/newsbrief-01|title= Benghazi army base falls to Ansar al-Sharia|work=Magharebia|date=July 30, 2014|accessdate=August 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archivedate=August 8, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808054042/http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/newsbriefs/general/2014/07/30/newsbrief-01}}</ref> Saiqa initially denied the loss of the base, although Saiqa Commander Wani Bukhamada acknowledged the loss by the afternoon of the 29th.<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=August 1, 2014|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/07/29/saiqa-forced-to-abandon-benghazi-headquarters-to-ansar/|title=Saiqa forced to abandon Benghazi headquarters to Ansar|newspaper=Libya Herald|date= July 29, 2014|archivedate=August 8, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808033655/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/07/29/saiqa-forced-to-abandon-benghazi-headquarters-to-ansar/}}</ref> A senior Saiqa official later claimed to the Libya Herald that Saiqa losses in Benghazi between the 21 and 30 July totaled some 63 dead and 200 wounded. Whilst the official was unsure of the number of Islamist dead, he claimed that it was in the dozens. The fighting, having involved indiscriminate shelling and bombing in and around the predominately residential area of Buatni, also resulted in dozens of civilians being killed in crossfire.<ref>{{cite news |last=Amzein |first=Aimen |date=11 August 2014 |title=Sixty-three Saiqa members killed and 200 wounded in July fighting |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/11/sixty-three-saiqa-members-killed-and-200-wounded-in-july-fighting/#axzz39zssHULF |newspaper=Libya Herald |location=Benghazi |publisher= |accessdate=14 August 2014 }}</ref> |
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{{Main|Timeline of the Libyan civil war (2014–2020)}} |
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== Peace process == |
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[[Mustafa A.G. Abushagur]], a politician elected in the [[Libyan House of Representatives election, 2014|July elections]], and who was widely tipped to become the next President of the House of Representatives, was [[Mustafa A.G. Abushagur#Kidnapping|kidnapped from his Tripoli home]] in the late afternoon of the 29 July by an armed group in an ambulance.<ref name="Kidnapped">{{cite news|last=Abdul-Wahab|first=Ashraf|date=July 29, 2014|title=Abushagur reported kidnapped|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/07/29/abushagur-reported-kidnapped/#axzz395RDIHsn|newspaper=Libya Herald|location=Tripoli|accessdate=August 1, 2014|archivedate=August 8, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808042704/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/07/29/abushagur-reported-kidnapped/#axzz395RDIHsn}}</ref> He was released several hours later, at 3am in the morning of the 30 July, without any ransom having been paid.<ref name="Released">{{cite news|last=Fornaji|first=Hadi|date=July 30, 2014|title=Abushagur freed|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/07/30/abushagur-freed/#axzz395RDIHsn|newspaper=Libya Herald|location=Tripoli|accessdate=August 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808042709/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/07/30/abushagur-freed/#axzz395RDIHsn|archivedate= August 8, 2014}}</ref> Abushagur later held a conference on the 1 August in Tripoli, where he claimed to have been kidnapped by The Zintani Barq Al-Nasr militia, although he stressed he did not believe the group to have been acting on behalf of their city.<ref name="Statement">{{cite news|last=Zaptia|first=Sami|date=1 August 2014|title=Zintani militias kidnapped me – Abushagur|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/02/zintani-militias-kidnapped-me-abushagur/#axzz395RDIHsn|newspaper=Libya Herald|location=Tripoli|accessdate=August 1, 2014|deadurl=no |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808042805/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/02/zintani-militias-kidnapped-me-abushagur/#axzz395RDIHsn|archivedate=August 8, 2014}}</ref> |
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{{Main|Libyan peace process|Libyan Political Dialogue Forum}} |
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During the first half of 2015, the United Nations facilitated a series of negotiations seeking to bring together the rival governments and warring militias of Libya.<ref name=aa09062015>{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/06/09/Libyan-rivals-mull-peace-proposal-for-unity.html|title=Libya's parliament rejects U.N. peace proposal|date=9 June 2015|publisher=Al Arabiya|access-date=21 October 2017}}</ref> A meeting between the rival governments was held at [[Auberge de Castille]] in [[Valletta]], [[Malta]] on 16 December 2015. On 17 December, delegates from the two governments signed a peace deal backed by the UN in [[Skhirat]], [[Morocco]], although there was opposition to this within both factions.<ref name="peacedeal" /><ref name="Times of Malta" /> The [[Government of National Accord]] was formed as a result of this agreement, and its first meeting took place in [[Tunis]] on 2 January 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Zaptia|first1=Sami|title=Serraj holds GNA meeting in Tunis|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2016/01/02/serraj-holds-first-gna-meeting-in-tunis/|work=[[Libya Herald]]|date=2 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127134658/https://www.libyaherald.com/2016/01/02/serraj-holds-first-gna-meeting-in-tunis/#axzz42j6KNXfU|archive-date=27 January 2016}}</ref> On 17 December 2017, general [[Khalifa Haftar]] declared the Skhirat agreement void.<ref name="alj2112">{{cite web|title=Q&A: What's happening in Libya?|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/qa-happening-libya-171220114305008.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=20 December 2017}}</ref> |
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A meeting called the [[Libyan National Conference]] was planned in [[Ghadames]] for organising [[2019 Libyan general election|elections]] and a peace process in [[Libya]].<ref name="WashPost_NatConf" /> The conference was prepared over 18 months during 2018 and 2019 and was planned to take place 14–16 April 2019.<ref name="UNSMIL_Salame_20190409" /> It was postponed in early April 2019 as a result of the military actions of the [[2019 Western Libya offensive]].<ref name="NatConf_postponed" /> |
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On 30 July [[Mohamed Sowan]], the leader of the [[Justice and Construction Party]]; the Libyan wing of the [[Muslim Brotherhood]], voiced support for the ongoing offensive in Tripoli by Islamist militias against Zintani Militias at Tripoli International Airport. Sawan claimed the offensive was a legitimate response to the anti-Islamist Operation Dignity being led by General Haftar.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael, Maggie|date=July 30, 2014|title=Islamist leader backs fight to take Libya airport|url=http://news.yahoo.com/islamist-leader-backs-fight-libya-airport-141832654.html|agency=Associated Press|work=Yahoo! News|accessdate=August 1, 2014|deadurl=no |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808044248/http://news.yahoo.com/islamist-leader-backs-fight-libya-airport-141832654.html|archivedate=August 9, 2014}}</ref> |
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[[File:Secretary Pompeo meets with World Leaders in Berlin Germany (49408271243).jpg|thumb|The Libya Summit in Berlin, Germany on 19 January 2020]] |
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In July 2019, [[Ghassan Salamé]], the head of the [[United Nations Support Mission in Libya]] (UNSMIL), proposed a three-point peace plan (a truce during [[Eid al-Adha]], an international meeting of countries implicated in the conflict, and an internal Libyan conference similar to the Libyan National Conference).<ref name="UNSMIL_Salame_190904" /> |
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In September 2019, the [[Peace and Security Council]] (PSC) of the African Union (AU) discussed the need for the PSC to play a greater role in concluding the Libyan crisis, putting forward a proposal to appoint a joint AU-UN envoy to Libya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/au-calls-consolidated-efforts-face-challenges-libyas-crisis|title=AU calls for consolidated efforts to face challenges in Libya's crisis {{!}} The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|language=en|access-date=2019-09-29|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803160319/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/au-calls-consolidated-efforts-face-challenges-libyas-crisis|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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The same day the leader of Ansar al-Sharia declared that Benghazi is an "Islamic Emirate". Protesters opposed to the militia group marched to the al-Jalaa hospital that the militants were guarding and temporarily seized it. The protesters also rallied to the special forces base that Ansar al-Sharia captured, but were dispersed when militants fired upon them.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/31/world/middleeast/libya-benghazi-march-protests-militias.html?_r=0|title=Libya: Benghazi March Protests Militias|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 30, 2014|accessdate=August 1, 2014|author=Fahim, Kareem|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808044248/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/31/world/middleeast/libya-benghazi-march-protests-militias.html?_r=0|archivedate=August 9, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> By 31 July, Islamist forces affiliated with the newly formed Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries, which includes Ansar al-Sharia, was reported to have captured most of Benghazi. Forces loyal to General Haftar appeared to have had the territory under its control in the region reduced to [[Benina International Airport]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/07/benghazi-falls-al-qaeda-linked-rebels-2014731161541245353.html|title=Benghazi 'falls to al-Qaeda-linked rebels'|agency=Al Jazeera|date=July 31, 2014|accessdate=August 1, 2014|archivedate=August 8, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808044248/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/07/benghazi-falls-al-qaeda-linked-rebels-2014731161541245353.html|deadurl=no}}</ref> Speaking to al-Arabiya News, Haftar denied that Benghazi was under the control of militias, and instead claimed that his National Libyan Army was in control of the city, claiming instead that his LNA forces had only withdrawn from certain positions, and had done so for tactical reasons.<ref>{{cite news|date=July 31, 2014|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/07/31/Libya-s-Ansar-al-Sharia-declares-Islamic-state-in-Benghazi.html|title=Benghazi declared ‘Islamic emirate’ by militants |agency=Al Arabiya|accessdate=August 1, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808051954/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/07/31/Libya-s-Ansar-al-Sharia-declares-Islamic-state-in-Benghazi.html|deadurl=no|archivedate=August 8, 2014}}</ref> |
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Turkish President RT Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin made a joint call for ceasefire, starting 12 January 2020, to end the proxy war in Libya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.centredaily.com/news/nation-world/article239071063.html|title=Leaders of Turkey, Russia urge Jan. 12 cease-fire in Libya {{!}} Centre Daily Times|website=www.centredaily.com|language=en|access-date=2020-01-08|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803223125/https://www.centredaily.com/news/nation-world/article239071063.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[ceasefire]] is said to have been broken hours after its initiation. Both the warring parties – GNA supported by [[Turkey]] and LNA backed by [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi]], [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]], [[Egypt]] and [[Jordan]] – blamed each other for the violence that broke out in [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51082365|title=Libya conflict: GNA and Gen Haftar's LNA ceasefire 'broken'|work=BBC News|date=12 January 2020|access-date=12 January 2020}}</ref> Turkey's Foreign Minister, [[Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu]] said Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by foreign powers including the UAE, does not want peace and is seeking a military solution to the drawn-out war in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyanexpress.com/turkish-foreign-minister-haftar-doesnt-want-peace/|title=Turkish Foreign Minister: Haftar doesn't want peace|date=2020-01-16|website=Libyan Express|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-16}}</ref> |
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Aircraft under the command of Brigadier-General Saqr Geroushi, the commander of Operation Dignity Air Force units, later launched nighttime air strikes on what they claimed to be an Ansar al-Sharia base in [[Ajdabiya]], which had recently been taken by Ansar al-Sharia. Geroushi claimed the target; the compound of a Chinese construction company, had been being used by Ansar al-Sharia as an arms depot and a support base for its operations in Benghazi. In response to questions over reported deaths resulting from exploding arms in the depot, Geroushi claimed he did not know if anyone had been killed or injured in the raid. Geroushi claimed however that the assault would continue until Ansar al-Sharia was forced out of the town. Geroushi also claimed that Ansar al-Sharia had been taking their wounded from the fighting in Benghazi to the hospital in Ajdabiya, which he claimed had been taken over by Islamists. He also claimed the more severely wounded were being transported to Misrata, and then on to Turkey for treatment.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ibrahim|first=Noora|date=August 1, 2014|title=Ansar Al-Sharia in Ajdabiya bombed: reports |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/01/ansar-al-sharia-in-ajdabiya-bombed/#axzz395RDIHsn |newspaper=Libya Herald|location=[[Benghazi]]|accessdate=}}</ref> |
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Haftar's forces launched attacks on Abu Gurain province, near the port city of Misurata, Libya's UN-recognized government claimed. The attacks were seen as a violation of cease-fire accord signed at the Berlin Conference.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyanexpress.com/haftar-defies-ceasefire-again-and-attacks-libyas-gna-forces-near-misurata/|title=Haftar defies ceasefire again and attacks Libya's GNA forces near Misurata|date=2020-01-26|website=Libyan Express|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-27}}</ref> On 12 February, the [[United Nations Security Council]] adopted a resolution demanding a "lasting cease-fire" in Libya. Drafted by [[UK|Britain]], it received 14 votes, while [[Russia]] abstained.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://truenewssource.com/2020/02/14/un-strives-to-end-the-adversities-of-libyas-power-struggle/|title=UN Strives to End the Adversities of Libya's Power Struggle|access-date=14 February 2020|website=True News Source|archive-date=17 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217140327/https://truenewssource.com/2020/02/14/un-strives-to-end-the-adversities-of-libyas-power-struggle/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Around 19 February, the government withdrew from peace talks following rocket attacks on Tripoli.<ref>{{cite news |title=Libya ceasefire talks halted after port attack |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51557970 |access-date=20 February 2020 |work=BBC News |date=19 February 2020}}</ref> |
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===August=== |
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On August 1, the Libyan Health Ministry announced that the recent fighting in the greater Tripoli and Benghazi areas had, up to Wednesday July 30, resulted in a total of 214 deaths and 981 injuries recorded at hospitals. Libya Body Count, an independent NGO, claimed that July alone had seen over 400 deaths, with 253 recorded in Benghazi, and 130 in Tripoli.<ref>{{cite news|last= Zaptia|first=Sami|date=August 1, 2014|title=214 deaths and 981 injuries in recent clashes up to 30 July – Min of Health|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/01/214-deaths-and-981-injuries-in-recent-clashes-up-to-30-july-min-of-health/#ixzz399gS1xyr|newspaper=Libya Herald|location= Benghazi|accessdate=}}</ref> |
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At the urging of the UN, both sides agreed to a new ceasefire in late March due to the [[novel coronavirus]]; however, the ceasefire quickly fell apart. On 24 March shells hit a prison in an area held by the GNA, drawing UN condemnation. The GNA launched a series of "counter-attacks" early on 25 March, in response to what the GNA called "the heaviest bombardments Tripoli has seen".<ref name="reuters 2020 coronavirus">{{cite news |title=Libya battles escalate as coronavirus arrives in country |url=https://in.reuters.com/article/libya-security/libya-battles-escalate-as-coronavirus-arrives-in-country-idINKBN21C1HC?il=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619204814/https://in.reuters.com/article/libya-security/libya-battles-escalate-as-coronavirus-arrives-in-country-idINKBN21C1HC?il=0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 June 2020 |access-date=27 March 2020 |work=Reuters |date=26 March 2020 |language=en}}</ref> In June 2020, Egyptian president [[Abdel Fattah el-Sisi]] brokered an agreement with parties aligned to the Libyan National Army, calling it the [[2020 Cairo Declaration|Cairo Declaration]] – However, this was quickly rejected.<ref>{{cite news |title=Libya: GNA says Sirte offensive launched as Haftar backs truce |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/libya-gna-sirte-offensive-launched-haftar-backs-truce-200607072037716.html |access-date=8 June 2020 |work=Al Jazeera |date=7 June 2020}}</ref> |
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On August 2, twenty-two people were killed and more than 70 wounded when a battle broke out in Tripoli International Airport, during which the government claimed that heavily armed groups attacked civilians, displacing hundreds of families.<ref>{{cite news|work=Yahoo! News|url= http://news.yahoo.com/libya-22-killed-tripoli-airport-clashes-055519420.html|title=Libya: 22 killed in Tripoli airport clashes|agency=Associated Press|date=August 2, 2014|accessdate=August 6, 2014|deadurl=no|archivedate=August 9, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140809200648/http://news.yahoo.com/libya-22-killed-tripoli-airport-clashes-055519420.html}}</ref> Over the next couple of days, several missiles landed randomly on the city's airport road and in nearby districts such as Abu Sleem, Seraj and Krimea among others. Rocket attacks in Hadba killed several people, including a 59-year old Indian worker. In Tripoli's western suburb of Janzour, the local Fursan Janzour militia as well as the National Mobile Forces camp, which is part of the Misrata-led Operation Dawn and allied to the militia, came under attack and were overrun by Zintan's [[Barq al-Nasr Brigade]], backed by [[Warshefana]] forces. The number of fatalities during the fighting is unknown. Libya's Red Crescent estimated that 2,500 families were forced to flee during the violence.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/04/missile-attacks-continue-in-tripoli-as-janzour-base-is-reported-destroyed/#axzz39dcDm2Q5|title=Missile attacks continue in Tripoli as Janzour base is reported destroyed|newspaper=Libya Herald|date= August 4, 2014|accessdate=August 7, 2014|author=Abdul-Wahab, Ashraf|deadurl=no|archivedate=August 8, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808203623/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/04/missile-attacks-continue-in-tripoli-as-janzour-base-is-reported-destroyed/#axzz39dcDm2Q5}}</ref> |
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On 21 August 2020, Libya's rival authorities announced [[Libyan peace process#21 August ceasefire declaration|an immediate ceasefire]]. The Tripoli-based and internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) published a statement that also calls for [[2021 Libyan general election|elections in March 2021]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Libya crisis: Rival authorities announce ceasefire|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53863627|access-date=23 August 2020 |work=BBC News|date=21 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Rival sides in Libya's civil war call 'immediate ceasefire'|url=https://www.ft.com/content/57e89990-a2bc-49cd-8002-6af650c07927|access-date=23 August 2020 |work=Financial Times|date=22 August 2020}}</ref> |
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On August 5, Warshefana forces captured Camp 27, an important military barracks, in an overnight joint operation with the Zintanis from [[Libya Shield 1]], an Islamist militia.<ref name="Warshefana-Zintanis seize Camp 27">{{cite news| url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/05/warshefana-take-camp-27-from-libya-shield/#axzz39dcDm2Q5|title=Warshefana take Camp 27 from Libya Shield|newspaper=Libya Herald|date=August 5, 2014| accessdate=August 7, 2014|author=Abdul-Wahab, Ashraf|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808101117/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/05/warshefana-take-camp-27-from-libya-shield/#axzz39dcDm2Q5|archivedate=August 8, 2014}}</ref> On 6 August 2014, the Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council announced that they had seized three additional army bases in Benghazi, seizing a large number of heavy weapons and armored vehicles in the process.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765657923/Libyas-extremists-tighten-grip-over-Benghazi.html|title=Libya's extremists tighten grip over Benghazi|newspaper=[[Deseret News]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=August 6, 2014|accessdate=August 7, 2014|archivedate=August 9, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140809200506/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765657923/Libyas-extremists-tighten-grip-over-Benghazi.html|deadurl=no}}</ref> On 7 August 2014, Camp 27 was reported to have been retaken by forces affiliated with the Operation Libya Dawn coalition.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Libya Herald|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/07/camp-27-reported-retaken-by-pro-misrata-forces/|title=Camp 27 reported retaken by pro-Misrata forces|date=August 7, 2014|accessdate=August 7, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808154558/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/07/camp-27-reported-retaken-by-pro-misrata-forces/|deadurl=no|archivedate=August 8, 2014}}</ref> |
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The [[United Nations Security Council]] received a confidential report in September 2020, which provided details of the extensive violations of the international arms embargo on [[Libya]], since the beginning of 2020. The UN identified eight countries breaching embargo. Besides, the [[United Arab Emirates]] and [[Russia]] were found to have sent five cargo aircraft filled with weapons to Libya on 19 January 2020, when the world leaders were signing a pledge to respect the arms embargo on Libya, at the [[Libyan peace process|Berlin conference]]. Four out of the five cargo airplanes belonged to the UAE.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/03/world/middleeast/libya-russia-emirates-mercenaries.html|title=Waves of Russian and Emirati Flights Fuel Libyan War, U.N. Finds|access-date=3 September 2020|website=The New York Times|date=3 September 2020|last1=Walsh|first1=Declan}}</ref> |
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On Sunday 10 August Maj. Gen. [[Abdulsalam Jad Allah Al-Salheen Al-Obaidi|Abdulsalam Al-Obaidi]], the Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army, gave evidence in a three hour session before the newly elected House of Representatives in Tobruk.<ref name="Obaidi evidence LH">{{cite news |last=Zaptia |first=Sami |date=11 August 2014 |title=Chief of Staff admits he has no control of "army" – army on verge of collapse |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/11/chief-of-staff-admits-he-has-no-control-of-army-army-on-verge-of-callopse/#axzz39zssHULF |newspaper=Libya Herald |location=Tripoli |publisher= |accessdate=14 August 2014 }}</ref> During the session Obaidi claimed he had “no control” over the various government funded rebel groups.<ref name="Obaidi evidence MEE">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=11 August 2014 |title=Head of Libya's army: 'no control' over government-funded rebels |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/head-libyas-army-no-control-over-government-funded-rebels-221789896 |newspaper=Middle East Eye |location= |publisher= |accessdate=14 August 2014 }}</ref> Speaking about the Libya Shield Force, Obaidi claimed he had no way to find out how many soldiers were fighting under the Force, and also claimed to have no way to either reform the group or change its leadership.<ref name="Obaidi evidence MEE"/> Mohammed el-Jarh, a Libyan analyst based in Tripoli, claimed that members of the House of Representatives were determined to hold Obaidi accountable after his comments.<ref name="Obaidi evidence MEE"/> Benghazi representative Salih al-Shawihidi denied that there were plans to replace Obaidi with [[Saad al-Qatrani]].<ref name="Obaidi evidence MEE"/> The following day a letter that had been sent by Obaidi to numerous militias on the 6 August was leaked on the internet. In the letter Obaidi instructed all groups, including the Libya Shield Forces which are officially under his command, and which he had assigned to Tripoli, to stop fighting. The letter reflected the House of Representatives decision No. 3, which had been issued on the same day, and which ordered all sides to commit to an immediate cease fire.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=11 August 2014 |title=Chief of Staff’s ceasefire orders ignored |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/12/chief-of-staffs-ceasefire-orders-ignored/#axzz39zssHULF |newspaper=Libya Herald |location=Tripoli |publisher= |accessdate=14 August 2014 }}</ref> |
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On 16 September 2020, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu told CNN Turk that Turkey and Russia have moved closer to an agreement on a ceasefire and political process in Libya during their latest meetings in Ankara. According to [[Reuters]], Turkey and Russia were the main power brokers in the Libyan war, backing opposing sides. Russia supported the eastern-based forces of Khalifa Haftar, while Turkey backed Libya's internationally recognised Government of National Accord.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-libya-security-turkey-russia-idUKKBN2673FR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917002204/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-libya-security-turkey-russia-idUKKBN2673FR|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 September 2020|title=Turkish, Russian officials nearing deal on Libya ceasefire, political process – minister|work=Reuters|date=2020-09-17|access-date=2020-09-17}}</ref> |
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====Operation Dignity tries to close Benghazi Port==== |
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On August 11 Brig. Gen. Saqr Adam Geroushi, Command of Operation Dignity's Air Force Units, stated that Operation Dignity units would attack any ships attempting to enter Benghazi port, despite any orders from Benghazi Municipal Council or the Libyan government.<ref name="Benghazi Ships">{{cite news |last=Ibrahim |first=Noora |date=11 August 2014 |title=Operation Dignity reaffirms that it will attack ships trying to enter Benghazi port |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/11/operation-dignity-reaffirms-that-it-will-attack-ships-trying-to-enter-benghazi-port/#axzz39zssHULF |newspaper=Libya Herald |location= |publisher= |accessdate=14 August 2014 }}</ref> Geroushi claimed that the port was being used by Islamist fighters to reinforce and resupply their positions in Benghazi, and that reinforcements were being shipped to Benghazi form the ports of Mirsata, Ras Lanuf and Derna.<ref name="Benghazi Ships"/> Operation Dignity Air Units reportedly proceeded to bomb the port of Derna on August 11.<ref name="Benghazi Ships"/> |
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In September 2020, the [[European Union]] issued [[Sanctions (law)|sanctions]] against two people, who were indirectly or directly engaged in serious [[human rights abuses]]. While [[Benghazi]]-based [[Mahmoud al-Werfalli]] was engaged in violations like killings and executions, Moussa Diab was involved in [[human trafficking]] and the [[kidnapping]], [[raping]] and killing of [[Human migration|migrants]] and [[refugees]]. Three companies, [[Turkey|Turkish]] maritime firm Avrasya Shipping, [[Jordan]]-based Med Wave Shipping and a [[Kazakhstan]]-based air freight company, Sigma Airlines, were also sanctioned for breaching the [[Libyan peace process|UN arms embargo]] by transferring military material to [[Libya]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:2020:305I:FULL&from=EN|title=Official Journal of the European Union|access-date=21 September 2020|website=European Union}}</ref> Among these, Sigma Airlines was also found involved in the air-borne hard cash shipments for the [[Khalifa Haftar]]'s government from the [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Russia]] and the [[United Kingdom]], among others. Sigma Airlines was also involved in a bank-note delivery made on 29 January 2019 for the [[Libyan National Army|LNA]], using a commercial network operating through the UAE, [[Ukraine]], Jordan and [[Belarus]]. In approximately $227 million bank note transfers, $91 million came from the UK, $27 million from Russia and $5 million from the UAE, which recorded highest number of transfers among 14 countries that were involved.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://c4ads.org/blogposts/2020/5/4/assets-in-flight-libyas-flying-treasuries|title=Assets in Flight: Libya's Flying Treasuries|access-date=5 May 2020|website=[[Center for Advanced Defense Studies|C4ADS]]|date=5 May 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/C4ADS/status/1257709168619814912|title=Tweet by C4ADS|access-date=5 May 2020|website=Twitter.com}}</ref> |
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Operation Dignity forces had previously ordered the port to close, although the Benghazi council had announced on 9 August that the port would remain open.<ref name="Benghazi Ships"/> The same day Operation Dignity spokesperson Mohamed Hejazi claimed all shipping to or from the ports of Misrata or Derna would also be fired upon.<ref name="Benghazi Ships"/> Instead all shipping was ordered to redirect to the Operation Dignity stronghold of Tobruk.<ref name="Benghazi Ships"/> |
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On 23 October 2020, the ''5+5 Joint Libyan Military Commission'' representing the LNA and the GNA reached a "[[Libyan peace process#Military track: permanent ceasefire|permanent ceasefire agreement in all areas of Libya]]". The agreement, effective immediately, required that all foreign fighters leave Libya within three months while a joint police force would patrol disputed areas. The first commercial flight between Tripoli and Benghazi took place that same day.<ref name="auto6"/><ref name="auto4"/> The war concluded on 24 October 2020.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/libyan-civil-war-two-warring-factions-sign-permanent-ceasefire-1983297|title=Libyan Civil War: Two warring factions sign 'permanent' ceasefire|date=24 October 2020|website=The Daily Star}}</ref> |
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====Assassination in Tripoli==== |
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On August 12, masked gunmen shot dead Col. Muhammad Suways, head of Tripoli's police department, when his car was ambushed by two other vehicles after he left a meeting with local authorities in the Tajoura suburb. Two of his colleagues were kidnapped when they attempted to leave the car.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28760795 | title=Libya crisis: Head of Tripoli police 'assassinated' | publisher=BBC | date=August 12, 2014 | accessdate=August 13, 2014}}</ref> Suways was a supporter of Haftar's Operation Dignity, and had come out against the Misrata-led Operation Libya Dawn. Earlier in the week Suways, who was in charge of security in Tripoli, had ordered Tripoli's police officers to return to work, as Tripoli's police officers had not been in active service since the Civil War. A group calling itself the Official Operations Room, said to be linked with the LROR, claimed on its Facebook page that Misratan militias, with the help of others from Suq al-Huma, had arrested four individuals who it accused of planning to take over a camp in Tajoura. The group described the four as Gaddafi supporters, and claimed two, including Suways, had been killed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mustafa |first=Ajnadin |date=12 August 2014 |title=Tripoli security director assassinated |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/12/tripoli-security-director-assassinated/#axzz39zssHULF |newspaper=Libya Herald |location=Tripoli |publisher= |accessdate=14 August 2014 }}</ref> |
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UN-sponsored peace talks failed to establish an interim government by 16 November 2020, although both sides pledged to try again in a week.<ref>{{cite news |last1=BEN BOUAZZA |first1=BOUAZZA |last2=MAGDY |first2=SAMY |title=UN-led Libya talks end without naming interim government |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/un-led-libya-talks-end-083323114.html |access-date=November 17, 2020 |work=yahoo.com |agency=AP |date=November 16, 2020}}</ref> |
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====House votes to disband militias & calls for UN support==== |
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On 13 August the House of Representatives passed a law disbanding all officially recognized and funded militias formed after the 2011 February revolution, including Joint Operations Rooms<ref name="LH Disband Militia"/> in an effort to strip the various groups of the legitimacy they claim to have been bestowed on them by the GNC & various government ministries.<ref name="Reuters Disband Militia"/> |
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Talks by the Advisory Committee of the [[Libya Political Dialogue Forum]] (LPDF) in Geneva during 13–16 January 2021 produced a proposal for a procedure for selecting a unified executive authority. On 18 January, 72 of the LPDF members participated in a vote on the proposal. The proposal passed, attaining more than the 63% decision threshold, with 51 voters in favour, 19 against, 2 abstentions and 2 absences. The validated electoral procedure involves electoral colleges, support from the West, East and South of Libya, a 60% initial threshold, and a 50% plus one second-round threshold, for positions in the [[Presidential Council (Libya)|Presidency Council]] and for the [[Prime Minister of Libya|prime ministership]].<ref name="LPDF_unified_executive_selection_mechanism" /><ref name="UNSMIL_LPDF_approves_selection_mech" /> |
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Out of the 104 Representatives present 102 voted in favour of the motion.<ref name="LH Disband Militia">{{cite news |last=Zaptia |first=Sami |date=13 August 2014 |title=HoR disbands officially recognized and funded militias |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/13/hor-disbands-officially-recognized-and-funded-militias/#axzz39zssHULF |newspaper=Libya Herald |location= |publisher= |accessdate=14 August 2014 }}</ref> A deadline of 31 December 2014 was given for implementing the law.<ref name="LH Disband Militia"/> The House had tried to pass the law the previous day although had failed to agree on the laws wording.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zaptia |first=Sami |date=13 August 2014 |title=HoR unable to agree wording for militia disbanding law |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/13/hor-unable-to-agree-wording-for-militia-disbanding-law/#axzz39zssHULF |newspaper=Libya Herald |location= |publisher= |accessdate=14 August 2014 }}</ref> In spite of the law it was unclear how it would be enforced.<ref name="Reuters Disband Militia"/> |
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On 19 February 2021, a confidential report by the [[United Nations]] revealed that the former CEO of [[Blackwater (company)|Blackwater]], [[Erik Prince]] breached the Libyan arms embargo by supporting and supplying weapons to Khalifa Haftar under an operation that cost $80 million. In 2019, Prince deployed foreign mercenaries to eastern Libya, who were armed with gunboats, attack aircraft, and cyberwarfare capabilities. While the report didn't conclude who funded the mercenary operation, analysts and Western officials asserted that it was most likely the UAE. The report noted that the mercenaries had offices, shell companies, and bank accounts in the Gulf nation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/19/world/middleeast/erik-prince-libya-embargo.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/19/world/middleeast/erik-prince-libya-embargo.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|title=Erik Prince, Trump Ally, Violated Libya Arms Embargo, U.N. Report Says|access-date=19 February 2021|website=The New York Times|date=19 February 2021|last1=Walsh|first1=Declan}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
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A Libyan lawmaker speaking to Reuters claimed the law to cover "all armed brigades, including all the Shields and Qaqaa and Sawaiq."<ref name="Reuters Disband Militia"/> |
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Ali Saedy, Representative for Wadi Shatti, in live comments on Libyan TV, claimed that the law had been passed by a large majority of the House. He claimed that some of those opposed to the law felt that the time was not right to dissolve all Libyan militias, whilst others were opposed due to having different opinions or ideologies.<ref name="LH Disband Militia"/> Ali Tekbali, a Representative for Tripoli, claimed that the reason only 104 of the House's 200 members took part was because many Representatives were unable to attend the vote in Tobruk due to being busy with various business.<ref name="LH Disband Militia"/> |
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The FBI also opened an investigation into the failed mercenary plot of 2019. The agency was also looking into determining the role of Erik Prince in the attempted sale of aircraft and other materiel from Jordan to the UAE-backed Khalifa Haftar. Previous reports have highlighted that a Jordanian royal [[Prince Faisal bin Hussein|Feisal Ibn al-Hussein]] worked with Prince to organize the weapons transfer to Libya. However, the Jordanian government had aborted the sale.<ref name=Intercept-30-10-2021>{{cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/2021/10/30/fbi-libya-erik-prince-weapons-trafficking/|title=FBI Investigation of Failed Mercenary Plot Delves Into Role of Erik Prince|access-date=30 October 2021|website=The Intercept|date=30 October 2021 }}</ref> Following which, Prince organized a meeting between his business associate Christiaan Durrant and a member of [[Donald Trump]]'s [[United States National Security Council|National Security Council]]. During the meeting, Durrant explained Prince's Libyan campaign plan backing Haftar to the NSC official and asked for the US' support.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/2021/02/26/erik-prince-jordan-libya-weapons-opus/|title=Project Opus: Erik Prince and the Failed Plot to Arm a CIA Asset-Turned-Warlord in Libya|access-date=26 February 2021|website=The Intercept|date=26 February 2021 }}</ref> A UN report also revealed that three aircraft controlled or owned by Prince were transferred to a mercenary firm connected to him and located in the United Arab Emirates. However, Prince was not charged with a crime.<ref name=Intercept-30-10-2021 /> |
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The same day the House also called for the United Nations & the Security Council to intervene in Libya in order to protect civilians & government institutions.<ref name="Reuters Disband Militia">{{cite news |last=Elumami |first=Ahmed |last2=Al-Warfalli |first2=Ayman |date=13 August 2014 |title=UPDATE 2-Libya's parliament calls for UN aid to quell militia fighting |url=http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL6N0QJ3X520140813?sp=true |newspaper=Reuters |location=Benghazi |publisher= |accessdate=14 August 2014 }}</ref> Representative Saedy claimed that the House had been forced into calling for international support after the House' calls for a ceasefire were ignored.<ref name="LH Disband Militia"/> |
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== Reactions == |
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====Clashes in Benghazi and airstrikes in Tripoli==== |
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On August 17, the [[Al-Saiqa (Libya)|Al-Saiqa]] [[special forces]] abandoned their last stronghold in the city, Benina Airport. They were pushed out through Gwarsha into Benghazi's Buatni district where Operation Dignity forces had asked the residents to leave the area for their safety. The head of Al-Saiqa said that the unit took over the airport road which was held by Ansar al-Sharia, adding that the Islamist group had been firing shells into Buatni's surroundings and that heavy clashes took place in Ard Bayera.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/17/benghazi-clashes-as-saiqa-attacks-from-benina/#axzz3AmtZgkML | title=Benghazi clashes as Saiqa attacks from Benina | publisher=Libya Herald | date=August 17, 2014 | accessdate=August 19, 2014 | author=Ibrahim, Noora}}</ref> |
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=== Domestic reactions === |
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Later that day, unidentified warplanes bombarded a number of positions in Tripoli, including the Islamist-held Wadi Rabie camp and an ammunition store owned by Misrata's Hattin Brigate in the town of [[Qasr bin Ghashir]] near the city's international airport. Five people were killed and more than 30 were wounded during the overnight operation. The government confirmed the incident and the Libyan armed forces' chief of staff, Gen. [[Abdulsalam Al-Obaidi]], said that the attack involved two unidentified aircraft powered by laser-guided smart bombs and missiles fired from a 7 to 8 kilometers altitude.<ref name="Misrata air raids Aug. 18">{{cite web | url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/18/65203/#axzz3Av8D3zbW | title=Misrata positions bombed, attackers unknown | publisher=Libya Herald | date=August 18, 2014 | accessdate=August 20, 2014 | author=Fornaji, Hadi; Mustafa, Ajnadin; Ibrahim, Noora}}</ref> He also said that the government's air force was not equipped with such weaponry and did not have the required technology nor the capacity to carry out the raids.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/18/tripoli-bombings-not-carried-out-by-libyan-aircraft-general-chief-of-staff/#axzz3AmtZgkML | title=Tripoli bombings not carried out by Libyan aircraft: General Chief of Staff | publisher=Libya Herald | date=August 18, 2014 | accessdate=August 20, 2014 | author=Mustafa, Ajnadin}}</ref> Furthermore, none of the country's militias are known to have warplanes. The [[Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room]] (LROR) allied to the Misratan brigades blamed Gen. [[Khalifa Haftar]]’s forces. Operation Dignity forces initially denied any involvement, adding that they only provided the coordinates.<ref name="Misrata air raids Aug. 18"/> However, Haftar's air chief, Gen. [[Saqr Geroushi]], later confirmed his forces' involvement in a statement to ''[[Reuters]]''. "We, the Operation Dignity, officially confirm to have conducted air strikes on some militias' locations belonging to Misrata militias," he said.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/18/us-libya-security-idUSKBN0GI03Z20140818 | title=Renegade Libyan general claims air strikes on Tripoli | publisher=Reuters | date=August 18, 2014 | accessdate=August 20, 2014 | author=Al-Shibani, Heba; Al-Warfalli, Ayman}}</ref> Geroushi also added that a munitions base at Sdada, south of Misrata, had also been bombed.<ref name="Misrata air raids Aug. 18"/> |
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[[Khalifa Haftar]] and his supporters describe Operation Dignity as a "correction to the path of [[Libyan Civil War (2011)|the revolution]]" and a "[[War on Terror|war on terrorism]]".<ref>{{cite news|date=14 February 2014 |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/02/14/general-hafter-announces-coup-politicians-react-with-scorn-order-his-arrest/#axzz2tIQINLHq |title=General Hafter announces coup; politicians react with scorn, order his arrest |newspaper=[[Libya Herald]] |access-date=21 May 2014 |archive-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182322/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/02/14/general-hafter-announces-coup-politicians-react-with-scorn-order-his-arrest/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/05/20/a-qa-with-khalifa-hifter-the-mastermind-behind-libyas-new-revolt/|author=Sharif Abdel Kouddous|title=A Q&A with Khalifa Hifter, the mastermind behind Libya's new revolt|date=20 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=21 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author= Sharif Abdel Kouddous|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/crisis-deepens-in-libya-between-islamists-and-renegade-general/2014/05/20/ebe24378-e023-11e3-9743-bb9b59cde7b9_story.html|access-date=21 May 2014|title=Leader of Libya's revolt, Khalifa Hifter, rules out negotiations and vows to fight|date=20 May 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> The elected parliament has declared that Haftar's enemies are "terrorists".<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-28916417|title=Libya crisis: Tensions rise as Tripoli airport seized|work=BBC News|access-date=14 October 2014|date=24 August 2014}}</ref> Opponents of Haftar and the House of Representatives' government in [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]] claim he is attempting a [[coup]]. Omar al-Hasi, the internationally unrecognized Prime Minister of the Libya Dawn-backed Tripoli government, speaking of his allies' actions, has stated that: "This is a correction of the revolution." He has also contended: "Our revolution had fallen into a trap."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/10/13/whos_running_this_joint_anyway_libyan_politics_militia|title=Who's Running This Joint, Anyway?|work=Foreign Policy|date=13 October 2014|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-date=14 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014013705/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/10/13/whos_running_this_joint_anyway_libyan_politics_militia|url-status=dead}}</ref> Dawn commanders claim to be fighting for a "revolutionary" cause rather than for religious or partisan objectives.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/libya-orders-civil-disobedience-capital-094314276.html#wcZT07K|title=Libya Orders 'Civil Disobedience' In Capital|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=22 October 2014|access-date=23 October 2014}}</ref> Islamist militia group [[Ansar al-Sharia (Libya)|Ansar al-Sharia]] (linked to the [[2012 Benghazi attack]]) has denounced Haftar's campaign as a Western-backed "[[War against Islam|war on Islam]]"<ref>{{cite news|access-date=30 July 2014 |url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21603508-stage-set-lengthy-struggle-power-drawing-battle-lines |title=Libya: Drawing the battle lines |newspaper=The Economist |date=7 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713063007/http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21603508-stage-set-lengthy-struggle-power-drawing-battle-lines |archive-date=13 July 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> and has declared the establishment of the "Islamic Emirate of Benghazi". |
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The National Oil Corporation (NOC) denounced calls to blockade oil fields prior to the Berlin Conference on 19 January 2020, calling it a criminal act. The entity warned to prosecute offenders to the highest degree under Libyan and international law.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyanexpress.com/libyas-noc-condemns-calls-to-blockade-oil-facilities-by-haftars-loyalists/|title=Libya's NOC condemns calls to blockade oil facilities by Haftar's loyalists|date=2020-01-18|website=Libyan Express|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref> |
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====Towns reject House of Representatives==== |
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The same weekend delegations from the cities of Misrata, Khoms, Zliten and Emsalata travelled to Sebha to in an attempt to try and persuade the local council and civil society organisations to order the area’s nine representatives in the new House of Representatives to withdraw.<ref name="Amazigh Boycott"/> Several days later the Sebha Municipal Council building was stormed by armed men who prevented council officials from reading a joint statement on Operation Dawn. One official claimed those responsible were members of the Awlad Sulaiman tribe, which is opposed to Operation Dawn.<ref>{{cite news |last=Adel |first=Jamal |date=20 August 2014 |title=Libya Dawn opponents attack Sebha Muncipal Council |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/20/libya-dawn-opponents-attack-sebha-muncipal-council/#axzz3At6fozMX |newspaper=Libya Herald |location=Kufra |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref> |
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Dignitaries from Tripoli, Sahel and Mountain regions in Libya expressed discomposure at the UN envoy's briefing to Libya, Ghassan Salame at the Security Council, for equalizing the aggressors (Haftar's forces backed by UAE and Egypt) and the defender (GNA forces). They said Salame's statements made both the parties equal amid Haftar's offensive in Tripoli and the war crimes committed against civilians, including children.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/western-and-central-libya-elders-accuse-un-envoy-equalizing-aggressors-and-defenders|title=Western and Central Libya elders accuse UN envoy of equalizing "aggressors and defenders" {{!}} The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|language=en|access-date=2020-02-04}}</ref> |
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On 19 August, the Amazigh towns of [[Nalut]] and [[Kabaw]] in the [[Nafusa Mountains]] announced a boycott of the House of Representatives, which they claimed was unconstitutional.<ref name="Amazigh Boycott"/> The Nalut Municipal Council, along with Nalut's revolutionary brigades and civil society organisations called on Salem Ignan, the towns representative, to withdraw from the parliament, which they claimed had an obvious bias towards Haftar's Operation Dignity, as seen in the fact that it was based in Tobruk. The Kabaw town leadership claimed that they would not recognise any decisions made by the new parliament, and also that the towns representative, Ali Al-Asawi, did not, and had never, represented the town. Both towns in particular rejected the House's call for foreign intervention in Libya in response to the upsurge in violence. Despite the timing of the announcements, the boycotts were seen as having more to do with long standing Amazigh boycott of the parliament over the issue of Amazigh representation, and less to do with the opposition to the parliament from Misrata and Islamist groups. It was immediately unclear whether the representatives from the towns would boycott the parliament.<ref name="Amazigh Boycott">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=19 August 2014 |title=Jabal Nefusa towns declare boycott of the House of Representatives |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/19/jabal-nefusa-towns-boycott-the-house-of-representatives-over-tobruk-meetings/#axzz3At6fozMX |newspaper=Libya Herald |location=Tripoli |publisher= |accessdate=22 August 2014 }}</ref> |
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=== Foreign reactions, involvement, and evacuations === |
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The following day leaders in [[Tarhuna]] released a statement announcing their opposition to the House of Representatives and their support for Operation Dawn. The town released a joint statement from the towns revolutionaries, Local Council, Military Council, Elders, Shura Council and a number of civil society organisations, in which they announced that the towns four representatives in the parliament did not represent the town, and represented only themselves. The town leaders also rejected all decisions made by the parliament, especially its recent call for a foreign intervention in Libya. The statement denounced the call as a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty of Libya and a betrayal of the will of the Libyan people,” and claimed that the airstrikes conducted several days prior against Operation Dawn were the result of the decision. The groups also declared that they had set up a Revolutionary Shura Council of Tarhuna, which they claimed would assume full responsibility for correcting the path of the nation and implementing the principles of and goals of the Libyan Revolution.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=20 August 2014 |title=Tarhouna rejects House of Representatives, declares support for Operation Dawn |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/08/21/tarhouna-rejects-house-of-representatives-declares-support-for-operation-dawn/#axzz3At6fozMX |newspaper=Libya Herald |location=Tripoli |publisher= |accessdate=22 August 2014 }}</ref> |
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==== Neighboring countries ==== |
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* {{flag|Algeria}} – Early in May 2014, the [[Algerian military]] said it was engaged in an operation aimed at tracking down militants who infiltrated the country's territory in [[Tamanrasset Province|Tamanrasset]] near the Libyan [[Algeria–Libya border|border]], during which it announced that it managed to kill 10 "terrorists" and seized a large cache of weapons near the town of [[Djanet|Janet]] consisting of automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition boxes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/05/algeria-terrorism-egypt-alliance-libya.html |title=Algeria considers Egypt alliance to confront Libyan terror threat |publisher=[[Al-Monitor]] |date=21 May 2014 |access-date=31 July 2014 |author=Shabbi, Omar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051807/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/05/algeria-terrorism-egypt-alliance-libya.html |url-status=live |archive-date= 8 August 2014}}</ref> ''[[The Times]]'' reported on 30 May that Algerian forces were strongly present in Libya and it was claimed shortly after by an Algerian journalist from ''[[El Watan]]'' that a full regiment of 3,500 paratroopers logistically supported by 1,500 other men crossed into Libya and occupied a zone in the west of the country. They were later shown to be operating alongside French special forces in the region. However, all of these claims were later denied by the [[Algerian government]] through [[Prime Minister of Algeria|Prime Minister]] [[Abdelmalek Sellal]] who told the senate that "Algeria has always shown its willingness to assist [our] sister countries, but things are clear: the Algerian army will not undertake any operation outside Algerian territory".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/truth-and-algerian-involvement-libya-1979161660 |title=Truth and Algerian involvement in Libya |publisher=[[Middle East Eye]] |date=7 July 2014 |access-date=31 July 2014 |author=Keenan, Jeremy |archive-date=23 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723030325/http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/truth-and-algerian-involvement-libya-1979161660 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 May 2014, the Algerian government responded to a threat on its embassy in Libya by sending a team of special forces to Tripoli to escort its diplomatic staff in a military plane out of the country. "Due to a real and imminent threat targeting our diplomats the decision was taken in coordination with Libyan authorities to urgently close our embassy and consulate general temporarily in Tripoli," the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Algeria)|Algerian Foreign Ministry]] said in a statement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-algeria-libya-idUSBREA4F0J420140516 |title=Algeria evacuates diplomats from Libya after threats |work=Reuters |date=16 May 2014 |access-date=31 July 2014 |author=Chikhi, Lamine |archive-date=13 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713111645/https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/16/us-algeria-libya-idUSBREA4F0J420140516 |url-status=live}}</ref> Three days later, the Algerian government shut down all of its border crossings with Libya and the army command raised its security alert status by tightening its presence along the border, especially on the Tinalkoum and Debdab border crossings. This also came as the state-owned energy firm, [[Sonatrach]], evacuated all of its workers from Libya and halted production in the country.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ramzi, Walid |access-date=31 July 2014 |url=http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/05/20/feature-01 |title=Algeria shuts Libya border |work=[[Magharebia]] |date=20 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053955/http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/05/20/feature-01 |archive-date= 8 August 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> In mid-August, Algeria opened its border for Egyptian refugees stranded in Libya and said it would grant them exceptional visas to facilitate their return to Egypt.<ref name="Egyptian shot dead, Algeria to open border">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/08/16/egyptian-shot-dead-tunisian-libyan-border-algeria-open-border-egyptians/|title=Egyptian shot dead at Tunisian-Libyan border, Algeria to open border for Egyptians|work=Daily News Egypt|date=16 August 2014|access-date=20 August 2014|author=Cousin, Edward}}</ref> |
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====Splits emerge in Benghazi==== |
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* {{flag|Chad}} – In June 2020, Chadian President [[Idriss Déby]] announced his support to Khalifa Haftar's force in Libya, and had sent 1,500 to 2,000 troops to help Haftar, in wake of call from the United Arab Emirates to support Haftar's force against the strengthening Tripoli government and to end incursions by anti-Déby rebels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://atalayar.com/en/content/chad-send-1500-troops-libya-support-marshal-haftar|title=Chad to send 1,500 troops to Libya in support of Marshal Haftar|website=Atalayar|date=12 June 2020 }}</ref> Chadian oppositions have accused Khalifa Haftar of his attempt to assassinate Chadian opposition leaders.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/chadian-rebel-party-accuses-haftar-assassinating-its-leader|title=Chadian rebel party accuses Haftar of assassinating its leader | The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|access-date=8 August 2020|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204020132/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/chadian-rebel-party-accuses-haftar-assassinating-its-leader|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Splits between Islamist groups in Benghazi also began to emerge in mid-August. On 16 August, a Muslim Brotherhood group made up of more moderate Islamist announced a new group to deal with problems in the city, by the name of the [[Shura Council of Benghazi]]. In response the [[Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries]], a [[Jihadist]] group, denounced the new group and claimed that they would not recognize it. The [[Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries]] also claiming that the new rival group was attempting to grab power and capitalize on the gains made by the jihadists.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=19 August 2014 |title=Ansar Al-Sharia and the Muslim Brotherhood in Benghazi split over local council |url=http://www.veooz.com/news/7HQduJ_.html |newspaper=Libya Herald |location= |publisher=Veooz |accessdate= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=18 August 2014 |title=Splits emerge between Libyan Islamists and jihadists |url=http://news.yahoo.com/splits-emerge-between-libyan-islamists-jihadists-183000425.html |newspaper=AFP |location= |publisher=Yahoo News |accessdate= }}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Egypt}} – Egyptian authorities have long expressed concern over the instability in eastern Libya spilling over into Egypt due to the rise of jihadist movements in the region, which the government believes to have developed into a safe transit for wanted Islamists following the [[2013 Egyptian coup d'état|2013 coup d'état]] in Egypt that ousted [[Muslim Brotherhood]]-backed president [[Mohamed Morsi]]. There have been numerous attacks on Egypt's trade interests in Libya which were rampant prior to Haftar's offensive, especially with the kidnapping of truck drivers and sometimes workers were murdered.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/6870/21/Egypt-and-the-Libyan-threat.aspx |title=Egypt and the Libyan threat |newspaper=[[Al-Ahram]] Weekly |date=23 July 2014 |access-date=31 July 2014 |author=Hanafi, Khaled |archive-date=8 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053916/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/6870/21/Egypt-and-the-Libyan-threat.aspx }}</ref> Due to this, the military-backed government in Egypt had many reasons to support Haftar's rebellion and the Islamist [[February 17th Martyrs Brigade]] operating in Libya has accused the Egyptian government of supplying Haftar with weapons and ammunition, a claim denied by both Cairo and the rebel leader.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/05/libya-crisis-haftar-egypt-intevene-brotherhood.html |title=Will Egypt intervene in Libya crisis? |publisher=Al-Monitor |date=22 May 2014 |access-date=31 July 2014 |author=Dali, Mustafa |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718212037/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/05/libya-crisis-haftar-egypt-intevene-brotherhood.html |archive-date=18 July 2014 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Furthermore, Egyptian President [[Abdel Fattah el-Sisi]], who has become increasingly popular among many Libyans wishing for stability,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-egypt-idUSBREA4P03P20140526|title=In lawless Libya, Egypt's Sisi becomes a star|work=Reuters|date=26 May 2014|access-date=31 July 2014|author=Laessing, Ulf}}</ref> has called on the United States to intervene militarily in Libya during his presidential candidacy, warning that Libya was becoming a major security challenge and vowed not to allow the turmoil there to threaten Egypt's national security.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-sisi-libya-idUSBREA4N06Q20140524 |title=Sisi says Egypt will not allow threats to security from Libya |work=Reuters |date=24 May 2014 |access-date=31 July 2014 |author1=Westall, Sylvia |author2=Fick, Maggie |author3=Heinrich, Mark |archive-date= 8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808062126/https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/24/us-egypt-sisi-libya-idUSBREA4N06Q20140524 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 July 2014, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry urged its nationals residing in Libya to adopt measures of extreme caution as it was preparing to send consular staff in order to facilitate their return their country following [[July 2014 Al-Wadi Al-Gedid attack|an attack]] in Egypt's western desert region near the [[Egypt–Libya border|border]] with Libya that left 22 Egyptian border guards killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/07/21/foreign-ministry-urges-egyptians-libya-take-measures-extreme-caution/ |title=Foreign ministry urges Egyptians in Libya to take measures of 'extreme caution' |newspaper=[[Daily News Egypt]] |date=21 July 2014 |access-date=31 July 2014 |author=Zaki, Menna |url-status=live |archive-date= 8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808062126/http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/07/21/foreign-ministry-urges-egyptians-libya-take-measures-extreme-caution/}}</ref> A week later, the ministry announced that it would double its diplomatic officials on the Libyan-Tunisian border and reiterated its call on Egyptian nationals to find shelter in safer places in Libya.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/107348/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-doubles-diplomatic-staff-to-help-Egyptians-l.aspx|title=Egypt doubles diplomatic staff to help Egyptians leave Libya|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=29 July 2014|access-date=31 July 2014}}</ref> On 3 August, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia agreed to cooperate by establishing an [[Airbridge (logistics)|airbridge]] between Cairo and Tunis that would facilitate the transfer of 2,000 to 2,500 Egyptians from Libya daily.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/xinhua-news-agency/140804/roundup-egypt-steps-evacuating-nationals-tunisia-libya-borde|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128065329/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/xinhua-news-agency/140804/roundup-egypt-steps-evacuating-nationals-tunisia-libya-borde|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 January 2015|title=Roundup: Egypt steps up evacuating nationals on Tunisia-Libya borders|work=GlobalPost|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=4 August 2014|access-date=21 August 2014}}</ref> On 31 July 2014, two Egyptians were shot dead during a clash at the Libyan-Tunisian border where hundreds of Egyptians were staging a protest at the Ras Jdeir border crossing. As they tried to cross into Tunisia, Libyan authorities opened fire to disperse them.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-tunisia-idUSKBN0G02HL20140731|title=Two Egyptians shot dead in Libya-Tunisia border clash: state media|publisher=Reuters|date=31 July 2014|access-date=20 August 2014|author=Argoubi, Mohamed}}</ref> A similar incident occurred once again on 15 August, when Libyan security forces shot dead an Egyptian who attempted to force his way through the border along with hundreds of stranded Egyptians and almost 1,200 Egyptians made it into Tunisia that day.<ref name="Egyptian shot dead, Algeria to open border" /> This came a few days after Egypt's Minister of Civil Aviation, Hossam Kamal, announced that the emergency airlift consisting of 46 flights aimed at evacuating the country's nationals from Libya came to a conclusion, adding that 11,500 Egyptians in total had returned from the war-torn country as of 9 August.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/08/10/emergency-airlift-egypt-tunisia-ends/|title=Emergency airlift between Egypt and Tunisia ends|work=Daily News Egypt|date=10 August 2014|access-date=21 August 2014|author=Kortam, Hend}}</ref> A week later, all Egyptians on the Libyan-Tunisian border were evacuated and the consulate's staff, who were reassigned to work at the border area, withdrew from Libya following the operation's success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/08/18/egyptians-libyan-tunisian-border-evacuated/|title=Egyptians in Libyan-Tunisian border evacuated|work=Daily News Egypt|date=18 August 2014|access-date=21 August 2014|author=Abaza, Jihad}}</ref> Meanwhile, an estimated 50,000 Egyptians (4,000 per day) arrived at the [[Sallum|Salloum]] border crossing on the Libyan-Egyptian border as of early August.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/107718/Egypt/Politics-/Almost-,-Egyptians-fled-Libya-through-Matrouh-bord.aspx|title=Almost 50,000 Egyptians fled Libya through Matrouh border in last month|work=Al-Ahram|date=4 August 2014|access-date=21 August 2014}}</ref> In 2020, Egypt helped devise the [[2020 Cairo Declaration]], however, this was quickly rejected. On 21 June 2020, the President of Egypt, [[Abdel Fattah al-Sisi]] ordered his army to be prepared for any mission outside the nation, stating that his country has a legitimate right to intervene in neighboring Libya. Besides, he also warned the GNA forces to not cross the current frontline with Haftar's LNA.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-21/egypts-sisi-orders-army-to-prepare-amid-tensions-over-libya/12377566|title=President Abdel Fattah Sisi says Egypt has a legitimate right to intervene in Libya, orders army to prepare|access-date=21 June 2020|website=ABC News|date=21 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200621-egypt-readies-army-to-intervene-in-libya-if-necessary|title=Egypt readies army to intervene in Libya 'if necessary'|access-date=21 June 2020|website=France 24|date=21 June 2020}}</ref> An official statement issued by [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[United Arab Emirates]] on 21 June 2020, stated that the two Gulf nations extended full support to the Egypt's government regarding its intentions of military intervention in Libya. The [[United Nations|UN]]-recognized [[Government of National Accord|GNA]] condemned [[Egypt]], UAE, [[Russia]] and [[France]] for providing military support to [[Khalifa Haftar|Haftar]]'s militias.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/saudi-arabia-uae-support-egypts-comments-on-libya/1884428|title=Saudi Arabia, UAE support Egypt's comments on Libya|access-date=21 June 2020|website=Anadolu Agency}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Malta}} – Along with most of the international community, [[Malta]] continues to recognize the Government of National Accord as the legitimate government of Libya.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2017-11-15/local-news/Malta-willing-to-have-resident-ambassador-in-Libya-again-6736181442 |title=Malta willing to have resident ambassador in Libya again |work=The Malta Independent |date=2017-11-15 |access-date=2018-04-23}}</ref> I Eastern Libyan government chargé d'affaires Hussin Musrati insisted that by doing so, Malta was "interfering in Libyan affairs".<ref>{{cite news|title=Malta interfering in Libya's affairs – charge d'affaires|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20141220/local/malta-interfering-in-libyas-affairs-charge-daffaires.549022|access-date=15 February 2015|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=20 December 2014}}</ref> Due to the conflict, there are currently two Libyan embassies in Malta. The General National Congress now controls the official Libyan Embassy in [[Balzan]], while the Tobruk-based Eastern Libyan House of Representatives has opened a consulate in [[Ta' Xbiex]]. Each of the two embassies say that visas issued by the other entity are not valid.<ref>{{cite news|title=Libyan Embassy says visas issued by any other entity 'not valid'|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150108/local/libyan-embassy-says-visas-issued-by-any-other-entity-not-valid.551085|access-date=15 February 2015|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=8 January 2015}}</ref> Following the expansion of ISIL in Libya, particularly the [[Fall of Nofaliya (2015)|fall of Nawfaliya]], the Maltese [[Prime Minister of Malta|Prime Minister]] [[Joseph Muscat]] and [[Leader of the Opposition (Malta)|Leader of the Opposition]] [[Simon Busuttil]] called for the [[United Nations]] and [[European Union]] to intervene in Libya to prevent the country from becoming a failed state.<ref>{{cite news|title=Malta should press EU to intervene in Libya – Simon Busuttil|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150215/local/malta-should-press-eu-to-intervene-in-libya-simon-busuttil.556188|access-date=15 February 2015|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=15 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Micallef|first1=Keith|title=Prime Minister calls for UN intervention in Libya|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150215/local/prime-minister-calls-for-un-intervention-in-libya.556219|access-date=15 February 2015|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=15 February 2015}}</ref> In 2020 Malta stated that its policy on Libya was in line with that of Turkey.<ref name="timesofmalta2020-07-25"/> |
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* {{flag|Sudan}} – At the early stage of the conflict, Sudanese dictator [[Omar al-Bashir]], an Islamist himself, had sought to reach support to the Tripoli government, having supplied weaponry and aids to the rebels overthrowing Muammar Gaddafi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20120107-sudan-bashir-visit-libya-national-transitional-council-gaddafi|title=Bashir hails fall of Gaddafi on Libya tour|date=7 January 2012|website=France 24}}</ref> However, after al-Bashir's realignment with Saudi Arabia in wake of [[Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)|Yemeni conflict]], Sudan provided support to Haftar's force to gain support from Saudi Arabia. Sudan had sent 1,000 militia personnel to aid Haftar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/africa/2019/07/30/sudans-army-provides-libyas-haftar-with-1000-militiamen|title=Sudan's army provides Libya's Haftar with 1,000 militiamen|first=Daily Sabah with|last=Agencies|date=30 July 2019|website=Daily Sabah}}</ref> Nonetheless, in July 2017, General [[Khalifa Haftar]] of the [[Libyan National Army]] ordered the closing of the Sudanese consulate in the town of [[Kufra]], and expelled 12 diplomats. The consul and 11 other consular staff were given 72 hours to leave the country. The reason given that the way it conducted its work was "damaging to Libyan national security." The Sudanese government protested and summoned Libyan chargé d'affaires in [[Khartoum]], Ali Muftah Mahroug, in response, lingering the distrust between Haftar to the Sudanese. Sudan recognises the [[Government of National Accord]] in Tripoli as the government of Libya, not the [[House of Representatives (Libya)|House of Representatives]] that is backed by General Haftar. As of 2017 Sudan has not opened an embassy in Tripoli but maintains a consulate in the Libyan capital to provide service to Sudanese citizens.<ref>[https://www.middleeasteye.net/fr/news/khalifa-haftar-controlled-eastern-libya-expels-12-sudan-diplomats-220334745 Khalifa Haftar expels 12 Sudan diplomats from Libya]. ''Middle East Eye''. Published 27 July 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2019.</ref> In 2020, following the overthrown of Omar al-Bashir, Sudan has sought to investigate the role of the United Arab Emirates on bringing Sudanese mercenaries fighting in Libya and have arrested a number of them.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/sudan-politics-emirates-idUSL8N29X7BY|title=Sudan investigating transfer of guards from UAE to Libyan oil port -ministry|newspaper=Reuters|date=28 January 2020|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/africa/sudan-announces-arrest-of-more-than-120-suspected-mercenaries-37687|title=Sudan announces arrest of more than 120 suspected mercenaries|website=Sudan announces arrest of more than 120 suspected mercenaries}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Tunisia}} – Post-revolutionary Tunisia also had its share of instability due to the violence in Libya as it witnessed an unprecedented rise in radical Islamism with increased militant activity and weapons' smuggling through the border.<ref>{{cite web|author=Ghanmi, Monia |work=Magharebia |url=http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2013/09/25/feature-01 |title=Tunisia confronts arms smuggling |date=25 September 2013 |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053839/http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2013/09/25/feature-01 |url-status=live |archive-date=8 August 2014}}</ref> In response to the initial clashes in May, the Tunisian National Council for Security held an emergency meeting and decided to deploy 5,000 soldiers to the Libyan–Tunisian border in anticipation of potential consequences from the fighting.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=23 May 2014 |url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/18/tunisia-plans-to-send-5000-extra-troops-to-libyan-border-because-of-libya-crisis/#axzz327nkqH3k |title=Tunisia to send 5,000 extra troops to Libyan border because of Libya crisis |author=Houda Mzioudet |date=18 May 2014 |newspaper=Libya Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526035230/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/18/tunisia-plans-to-send-5000-extra-troops-to-libyan-border-because-of-libya-crisis/ |archive-date=26 May 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 July 2014, Tunisian Foreign Minister [[Mongi Hamdi]] said that the country cannot cope with the high number of refugees coming from Libya due to the renewed fighting. "Our country's economic situation is precarious, and we cannot cope with hundreds of thousands of refugees," Hamdi said in a statement. He also added that Tunisia will close its borders if necessary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/tunisia-says-cant-cope-libya-refugee-influx-524332439 |title=Tunisia says can't cope with Libya refugee influx |publisher=Middle East Eye |date=30 July 2014 |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808113923/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/tunisia-says-cant-cope-libya-refugee-influx-524332439 |url-status=live}}</ref> Tunisian Foreign Minister, Khemaies Jhinaoui, revived Tunisia's stance to stop the fighting in Libya and follow the UN-led political suit. He stressed on rejection of military solutions to the war.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/tunisian-foreign-minister-reaffirms-rejection-military-solution-libyan-crisis|title=Tunisian Foreign Minister reaffirms rejection of military solution to the Libyan crisis {{!}} The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|language=en|access-date=2019-10-05}}</ref> In January 2020, Tunisia said that it is preparing to accommodate a new inflow of migrants escaping the war in Libya. The country has chosen the site of Fatnassia to receive Libyan refugees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/22037/tunisia-prepares-to-receive-refugees-from-libya|title=Tunisia prepares to receive refugees from Libya|date=2020-01-13|website=InfoMigrants|language=en|access-date=2020-01-13}}</ref> |
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==== Others ==== |
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* {{flag|United Nations}} – On 27 August 2014, the [[UN Security Council]] unanimously approved resolution 2174 (2014), which called for an immediate ceasefire and an inclusive political dialogue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2014/sc11537.doc.htm|title=United Nations Security Council – Resolution 2174 (2014)|publisher=Un.org|access-date=14 October 2014}}</ref> The resolution also threatened to impose sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel bans, against the leaders and supporters of the various militias involved in the fighting, if the individuals threaten either the security of Libya or the political process.<ref name="BBC 27Aug Resolution">{{cite news|date=27 August 2014|title=UN to impose sanctions on Libyan militia leaders|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-28959587|work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed his fears of a "full civil war" in Libya, unless the international community finds a political solution for the country's conflict.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.thedailynewnation.com/news/227337/un-chief-deeply-concerned-as-fears-full-civil-war--in-libya-loom|title=UN chief 'deeply concerned' as fears 'full civil war' in Libya loom|access-date=31 August 2019|publisher=The New Nation|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927030709/http://m.thedailynewnation.com/news/227337/un-chief-deeply-concerned-as-fears-full-civil-war--in-libya-loom|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2019, the United Nations reported that [[Jordan]], [[Turkey]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]] had systematically violated the Libyan arms embargo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/09/un-says-member-states-violating-libya-arms-embargo|title=Libya arms embargo being systematically violated by UN states|work=The Guardian|date=9 December 2019|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref> In February 2020, Libya's Ambassador to the UN, Taher Al-Sunni, emphasized on documenting attacks against civilians, medical personnel and field hospitals in Libya, during his meeting with the Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/libyas-ambassador-un-attacks-against-civilians-must-be-documented|title=Libya's ambassador to the UN: Attacks against civilians must be documented {{!}} The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|language=en|access-date=2020-02-06}}</ref> Around 2 March 2020, Ghassan Salamé (the UN special envoy to Libya) resigned, citing the failure of powerful nations to meet their recent commitments.<ref>{{cite news |first=Patrick |last=Wintour |author-link=Patrick Wintour |title=Libya peace efforts thrown further into chaos as UN envoy quits |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/02/libya-peace-efforts-chaos-un-envoy-ghassan-salam-quits |access-date=8 April 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=2 March 2020}}</ref> In June 2020, UN secretary general, [[António Guterres]] condemned and expressed shock at discovering mass graves in a Libyan territory that was formerly captured by the forces of general [[Khalifa Haftar]], backed by the governments of [[Egypt]], [[Russia]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]]. Guterres commanded the UN-backed government to ensure identifying the victims, investigate into the cause of death and return the bodies to the respective family.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/13/world/middleeast/libya-mass-graves.html|title=U.N. Expresses Horror at Mass Graves in Libya|access-date=13 June 2020|website=The New York Times|date=13 June 2020|last1=Walsh|first1=Declan}}</ref> On 25 September 2020, UN diplomats revealed that Russia and [[China]] blocked the official release of a report by UN experts on Libya. The report accused the warring parties and their international backers, including Russia, the United Arab Emirates and [[Egypt]], of violating the 2011 UN [[arms embargo]] on the war-torn country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/libya-china-archive-united-nations-russia-383b41a57355670312265c05672153e5|title=Russia, China block release of UN report criticizing Russia|access-date=25 September 2020|website=The Associated Press}}</ref> The UN identified the Sigma Airlines also known as Sigma Aviation and Air Sigma, a commercial cargo air company from [[Kazakhstan]], as one of the commercial air cargo providers that have violated the arms embargo in Libya.<ref name="EU September sanctions">{{CELEX|32020R1309|text=Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1309 of 21 September 2020 implementing Article 21(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/44 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Libya}}</ref> In March 2021, in a new report, UN accused United Arab Emirates, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Qatar of extensive and blatant violations. The report included photos, diagrams and maps in order to support the accusations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/report-documents-mass-violations-libya-arms-embargo-76534429|title=UN report documents mass violations of Libya arms embargo|website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|date=18 March 2021|access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/17/libya-arms-embargo-totally-ineffective-un|title=Libya arms embargo 'totally ineffective': UN|date=17 March 2021|access-date=17 March 2021}}</ref> The UN report stated that Erik Prince attempted to deploy a Light Attack and Surveillance Aircraft (LASA) to Libya, disguised as a crop duster. The aircraft, LASA T-Bird, was owned by a UAE-based firm, L-6 FZE. Besides, it was modified with some deadly additions- “a 16-57mm Rocket Pod, a 32-57mm Rocket Pod and a gun pod fitted with twin 23mm cannon under its wings”.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://undocs.org/S/2021/229|title=Final Report of the Panel of Experts on Libya established pursuant to Security Council resolution|access-date=8 March 2021|website=United Nations Security Council}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2021/05/20/serviced-in-serbia-the-lethal-crop-duster-destined-for-war-in-libya/|title=Serviced in Serbia: The Lethal Crop Duster Destined for War in Libya|access-date=20 May 2021|website=Balkan Insight|date=20 May 2021}}</ref> |
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On 23 August, after 10 days of clashes, [[Tripoli International Airport]] finally fell to fighters from [[Libyan Central Shield]], a coalition of Islamist and Misrata forces.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=23 August 2014 |title=Tripoli airport 'seized by Islamist militia' |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/08/tripoli-airport-2014823183122249347.html |newspaper=Al Jazeera |location= |publisher= |accessdate=23 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=guardian-20140824>{{cite news |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/24/libya-capital-under-islamist-control-tripoli-airport-seized-operation-dawn |title=Libyan capital under Islamist control after Tripoli airport seized |author=Chris Stephen and Anne Penketh |newspaper=The Guardian |date=24 August 2014 |accessdate=24 August 2014}}</ref> The following day, Operation Dawn forces announced that they have consolidated the whole city and adjacent towns after driving out rival Zintan militias 90 kilometers south of the capital.<ref name="WPost Aug. 24"/> Libya's newly elected parliament condemned the offensive and called the militants now in control of Tripoli "terrorist organizations". Operation Dawn spokesman later called for the re-assembly of the previous Islamist-dominated GNC and said that the taking over of the airport was necessary to "save the country's sovereignty".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28916417 | title=Libya crisis: Tensions rise as Tripoli airport seized | publisher=BBC | date=August 24, 2014 | accessdate=August 26, 2014}}</ref> The [[Los Angeles Times]] reported that at least 90% of the airport's facilities, and 20 airplanes, were destroyed in the fighting.<ref name=lat-20140824>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-islamist-militias-libya-airport-20140824-story.html |title=Islamist militias seize main Libya airport as conflict deepens |author=Muhamed Juma, Amro Hassan |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=24 August 2014 |accessdate=27 August 2014}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|France}} – On 30 July 2014, the French government temporarily closed its embassy in Tripoli, while 40 French, including the ambassador, and 7 British nationals were evacuated on a French warship bound for the port of [[Toulon]] in southern France. "We have taken all necessary measures to allow those French nationals who so wish to leave the country temporarily," the foreign ministry said.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28564637|title=France evacuates French and British expats from Libya|publisher=BBC|date=30 July 2014|access-date=16 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20140730-france-libya-embassy-evacuate-nationals-militias/|title=France evacuates nationals, closes embassy in Libya|publisher=France 24|date=30 July 2014|access-date=16 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818235628/http://www.france24.com/en/20140730-france-libya-embassy-evacuate-nationals-militias/|archive-date=18 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2016, a helicopter carrying three French special forces soldiers was shot down south of [[Benghazi]] during what President [[François Hollande]] called "dangerous intelligence operations."<ref name="Editorial 2016">{{cite web |publisher=Reuters |title=France says three soldiers died in accident on Libya intelligence... |date=2016-07-20 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-france/three-french-soldiers-killed-in-libya-french-defense-ministry-idUSKCN1000R3 |access-date=2018-02-24}}</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera 2016">{{cite web |title=France confirms three soldiers killed in Libya |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=2016-07-20 |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/07/france-confirms-soldiers-killed-libya-160720105518216.html |access-date=2018-02-24}}</ref> In December 2019, French government canceled the delivery of boats to Libya following a lawsuit filed by NGOs opposing the move. The NGOs cited the French donation as a violation of European embargo on Libya for providing military equipment and arms to countries involved in war crimes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/21267/french-defense-ministry-cancels-delivery-of-boats-to-libyan-coast-guard|title=French defense ministry cancels delivery of boats to Libyan coast guard|date=2019-12-03|website=InfoMigrants|language=en|access-date=2019-12-09}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|India}} – [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs]] spokesman, [[Syed Akbaruddin]], said that India's diplomatic mission in Libya has been in touch with the 4,500 Indian nationals, through several coordinators. "The mission is facilitating return of Indian nationals and working with the Libyan authorities to obtain necessary exit permissions for Indian nationals wanting to return," he said.<ref name="Indians leave Libya">{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Amid-Civil-War-Stranded-Indians-Begin-to-Leave-Libya/2014/07/30/article2355270.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024210607/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Amid-Civil-War-Stranded-Indians-Begin-to-Leave-Libya/2014/07/30/article2355270.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 October 2014|title=Amid Civil War, Stranded Indians Begin to Leave Libya|work=The New Indian Express|date=30 July 2014|access-date=19 August 2014}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Iran}} – Iran has facilitated a very difficult role in this conflict. Unlike many countries in the Middle East that Iran has interests, Iran has very little to none of interest in Libya, but Iran has desired to expand its Islamic Revolution to Africa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://atalayar.com/en/content/what-irans-position-conflict-libya|title=What is Iran's position in the conflict of Libya?|website=Atalayar|date=29 May 2020 }}</ref> However, Saudi Arabia's support for Haftar has complicated Iran's desire, as Iran has also been accused of supporting Haftar's force, even when Tehran has refrained from siding with Haftar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://warsawinstitute.org/iran-haftar-links-libya/|title=The Iran-Haftar links in Libya|date=17 July 2020}}</ref> On the other hand, Iran also provides political support to Turkey's military intervention to Libya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200617-iran-fm-voices-support-for-turkey-backed-libya-government/|title=Iran FM voices support for Turkey-backed Libya government|date=17 June 2020|website=Middle East Monitor}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Israel}} – Israel and Libya do not have any official relations. However, during the time in exile, Khalifa Haftar had developed a close and secret tie with the United States, thus extended to Israel, and the secret tie resulted in Israel quietly backing Khalifa Haftar on his quest to conquer all of Libya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/africa/how-khalifa-haftar-s-secret-ties-with-israel-fuel-chaos-in-libya-31941|title=How Khalifa Haftar's secret ties with Israel fuel chaos in Libya|website=How Khalifa Haftar’s secret ties with Israel fuel chaos in Libya}}</ref> Israeli advisors are alleged to have trained Haftar's force to prepare for war against the Islamist-backed government in Tripoli.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-little-known-support-haftar-war-libya|title=Israel's little-known support for Haftar's war in Libya|website=Middle East Eye}}</ref> Israeli weapons are also seen in Haftar's forces, mostly throughout Emirati mediation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://icfuae.org.uk/uae-in-the-media/israel-provided-haftar-weapons-uae-mediated|title=Israel provided Haftar weapons, UAE mediated|date=28 July 2017|website=ICFUAE | International Campaign For Freedom in the UAE|access-date=8 August 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001130803/http://icfuae.org.uk/uae-in-the-media/israel-provided-haftar-weapons-uae-mediated|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Mossad]] developed a strong relationship with Haftar and also assists his forces in the conflict.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/mossad-bibi-s-top-advisor-arab-states-libya-haftar-1.9049546|title=Mossad and Bibi's top security advisor squabbling over relations with Arab states|newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Italy}} – The Italian embassy has remained open during the civil war<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.thelocal.it//20140729/renzi-calls-for-ceasefire-as-italians-flee-libya |title=Renzi calls for ceasefire as Italians flee Libya |access-date=29 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128055643/http://m.thelocal.it/20140729/renzi-calls-for-ceasefire-as-italians-flee-libya |archive-date=28 January 2015}}</ref> and the government has always pushed for the success of UN-hosted talks among Libya's political parties in Geneva. Prime Minister [[Matteo Renzi]] said "If there's no success, Italy is ready to play a leading role, above all a diplomatic role, and then, always under the aegis of the UN, one of peacekeeping inside Libya", adding that "Libya can't be left in the condition it is now."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-10/italy-would-consider-un-peacekeeping-role-in-libya-renzi-says.html|title=Italy Would Consider UN Peacekeeping Libya Role, Renzi Says (1)|author=Kevin Costelloe|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=29 January 2015|date=10 January 2015}}</ref> In 2015, four Italian workers were kidnapped by Islamic State militants near [[Sabratha]]. Two of them were killed in a raid by security forces the following year while the other two were rescued.<ref name="Balmer 2016">{{cite web |last=Balmer |first=Crispian |title=Two Italian hostages freed in Libya after companions die |publisher=Reuters |date=2016-03-04 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-italy-hostages/two-italian-hostages-freed-in-libya-source-close-to-matter-idUSKCN0W60SC |access-date=2018-02-24}}</ref> Between February 2015 and December 2016, however, Italy was forced to close its embassy and every Italian citizen in Libya was advised to leave. The embassy reopened on 9 January 2017. |
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* {{flag|Morocco}} – Morocco turned down an offer by the United Arab Emirates in 2020 to provide support for Khalifa Haftar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/morocco-turns-down-uae-offer-support-haftar|title=Morocco turns down UAE offer to support Haftar | The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|date=14 December 2023 }}</ref> Instead, Morocco expressed its hope to mediate for the end of the conflict.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://atalayar.com/en/content/morocco-mediates-libyan-conflict|title=Morocco mediates in the Libyan conflict|website=Atalayar|date=28 July 2020 }}</ref> |
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[[File:Russia deploys military fighter aircraft to Libya.jpg|thumb|Russian aircraft deployed to Libya in support of Russian private military contractors supporting the [[Libyan National Army]] in 2020. Image provided by [[United States Africa Command]].]] |
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* {{flag|Russia}} – In February 2015, discussions on supporting the Libyan parliament by supplying them with weapons reportedly took place in [[Cairo]] when [[President of Russia]] [[Vladimir Putin]] arrived for talks with the [[government of Egypt]], during which the Russian delegates also spoke with a Libyan delegation. Colonel Ahmed al-Mismari, the spokesperson for the Libyan Army's chief of staff, also stated that "Arming the Libyan army was a point of discussion between the Egyptian and Russian presidents in Cairo."<ref>[http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/02/egypt-efforts-libya-army-russia-weapons.html#ixzz3ivXUzRz0 Egypt acts as middleman for Russia-Libya arms deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117024946/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/02/egypt-efforts-libya-army-russia-weapons.html#ixzz3ivXUzRz0 |date=17 November 2015}}. [[Al Monitor]]. Ayah Aman. Published 19 February 2015. Retrieved 15 August 2015.</ref> The deputy foreign minister of Russia, Mikhail Bogdanov, has stated that Russia will supply the government of Libya with weapons if UN sanctions against Libya are lifted.<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.com/russia-supply-libya-weapons-if-un-embargo-lifted-1885108 Russia Will Supply Weapons to Libya if UN Embrago is Lifted]. ''[[International Business Times]]''. Christopher Harress. Published 16 April 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2015.</ref> In April 2015, Prime Minister [[Abdullah al-Thani]] visited Moscow and announced that Russia and Libya will strengthen their relations, especially economic relations.<ref>[http://ria.ru/world/20150414/1058421192.html Ат-Тани: Ливия пересмотрит контракты, заключенные с РФ в 2008 году | Al-Thani: Libya will renew contracts signed with the RF in 2008 '''(In Russian)''']. [[RIA Novosti]]. Published 14 April 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2016.</ref> He also met with [[Sergei Lavrov]], the Russian [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Russia)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]], and said that he requested Russia's assistance in fixing the country's government institutions and military strength.<ref>[http://ria.ru/world/20150415/1058738393.html Ливия просит РФ поддержать восстановление государственных институтов | Libya asks the RF to support the restoration of government institutions '''(In Russian)''']. [[RIA Novosti]]. Published 15 April 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2016.</ref> The prime minister also met with [[Nikolai Patrushev]], the Russian president's security adviser, and talked about the need to restore stability in Libya as well as the influence of terrorist groups in the country. Patrushev stated that a "priority for regional politics is the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya."<ref>[http://ria.ru/world/20150415/1058715233.html Патрушев и ливийский премьер обеспокоены влиянием террористов в Ливии | Patrushev and Libyan premier are disturbed by terrorist influence in Libya '''(In Russian)''']. [[RIA Novosti]]. Published 15 April 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2016.</ref> As of 2 October 2019, between 10 and 35 Russian mercenaries had reportedly been killed in an airstrike in Libya while fighting for Khalifa Haftar's forces as per Latvian newslet Meduza.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyanexpress.com/35-russian-mercenaries-killed-fighting-for-haftars-forces-in-libya-latvian-media-reveals/|title=35 Russian mercenaries killed fighting for Haftar's forces in Libya, Latvian media reveals|date=2019-10-03|website=Libyan Express|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-10-03}}</ref> In a joint press conference with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed the involvement of Russian mercenaries in Tripoli's ongoing conflict. He also said they are not affiliated to Moscow and are not funded by the government. These fighters were transferred to Libya from the de-escalation zone in Syria's Idlib.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/putin-admits-russians-are-fighting-libya|title=Putin admits Russians are fighting in Libya {{!}} The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|language=en|access-date=2020-01-12|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113022937/https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/putin-admits-russians-are-fighting-libya|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}} – Saudi Arabia since 2014 has thrown a significant support for Haftar's force fighting in Libya. According from [[Wall Street Journal]] and retrieved by Al Jazeera, Saudi Arabia had given millions of dollars to support Haftar's army in its failed attempt to takeover Tripoli after a meeting with General Haftar by Saudi King [[Salman of Saudi Arabia|Salman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/saudis-gave-libya-haftar-millions-dollars-offensive-190412175708363.html|title=Saudis 'gave Libya's Haftar millions of dollars before offensive'|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-libya-idUSKCN1R80YV|title=Saudi King Salman meets Libya's General Haftar|newspaper=Reuters|date=27 March 2019|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref> Due to Haftar's defeat, Saudi Arabia was thought to have become increasingly involved in Libya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/saudi-arabia-role-liyba-gna-hifter.html|title=Saudi Arabia steps up role in Libya|first=Samuel|last=Ramani|date=24 February 2020|website=Al-Monitor}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Syria}} – The involvement of Syria in the Libya war has remained less exposed, while the links began in 2018. The Syrian government of [[Bashar al-Assad]] has been backing Khalifa Haftar, where mercenaries from Damascus were transported to Benghazi. In April 2021, [[Cham Wings Airlines|Cham Wings]], a private airline owned by Assad's cousin [[Rami Makhlouf]] and sanctioned by the US and the European parliament, made nine round trips to Libya. The flights reportedly transport Syrian mercenaries to fight alongside Haftar forces. Specialists have said that these mercenaries fighting for the general (currently 2,000) were operated by Russia and were funded by the United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1157062/politique/mercenaires-et-drogue-en-libye-la-syrian-connection/|title=Mercenaires et drogue en Libye : la syrian connection (Mercenaries and drugs in Libya: the Syrian connection)|access-date=21 April 2021|website=Jeune Afrique|date=21 April 2021}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Thailand}} – In late July 2014, the Thai government asked Libya's authorities to facilitate the evacuation of its nationals by exempting the need for exit visas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/423239/thailand-asks-libyan-authorities-to-waive-visa-rules-as-the-need-for-a-speedy-evacuation-of-thais-in-the-war-torn-north-african-country-becomes-more-urgent|title=Libya asked to facilitate Thai evacuation|work=Bangkok Post|date=30 July 2014|access-date=19 August 2014|author=Charoensuthipan, Penchan}}</ref> As of 14 August, over 800 Thai workers have been successfully evacuated from the country,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNPOL5708160010002|title=800 Thai workers from Libya return home|publisher=National News Bureau of Thailand|date=14 August 2014|access-date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819125820/http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNPOL5708160010002|archive-date=19 August 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> while Thailand's Ministry of Labour announced that it would prepare jobs for more than 2,800 workers residing in Libya.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pattayamail.com/business/thailand-prepares-jobs-for-thai-workers-arriving-from-libya-40283|title=Thailand prepares jobs for Thai workers arriving from Libya|work=Pattaya Mail|date=8 August 2014|access-date=19 August 2014}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Turkey}} – Turkey has been one of the most active critics of the Eastern Government led by [[Khalifa Haftar]]. Turkey has transported arms, ammunitions and aids to the Western Government led by [[Fayez al-Sarraj]] against Haftar's force.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thearabweekly.com/libyas-islamic-militants-brag-about-receiving-new-turkish-weapons|title=Libya's Islamic militants brag about receiving new Turkish weapons | Lamine Ghanmi|website=AW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.addresslibya.co/en/archives/47424|title=Erdogan admits to breaking UN arms embargo on Libya and accuses US of disturbing peace in the region|website=The Libyan Address Journal|access-date=19 May 2020|archive-date=7 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907101243/https://www.addresslibya.co/en/archives/47424|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2019, the [[Libyan National Army]] accused the Turkish authorities of supporting terrorist groups in Libya for many years, adding that the Turkish support has evolved from just logistic support to a direct interference using military aircraft to transport mercenaries, as well as ships carrying weapons, armored vehicles and ammunition to support terrorism in Libya.<ref>{{cite news|title=Libyan National Army: Turkey supports terrorists, directly interferes in Libya|url=http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/2/72230/Libyan-National-Army-Turkey-supports-terrorists-directly-interferes-in-Libya|access-date=29 June 2019|work=egypttoday|date=29 June 2019}}</ref> In 2016, [[Jordan]]'s king accused Turkey of helping Islamist militias in Libya and [[Somalia]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Jordan's king accuses Turkey of sending terrorists to Europe|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/jordans-king-accuses-turkey-sending-terrorists-europe|access-date=26 March 2016|work=middleeasteye.net|date=29 June 2019}}</ref> In July 2019, [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]], the President of Turkey, threatened to declare war on Khalifa Haftar after receiving news of six Turkish citizens arrested by Haftar's force.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48818695|title=Turkey threatens Libyan strongman as six held|work=BBC News|date=30 June 2019}}</ref> On 27 December 2019 [[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]] reported that Turkey intended to deploy its navy to protect Tripoli and send troops to help train GNA forces. Additionally Turkmen rebel groups fighting in northern Syria were expected to transfer to Tripoli.<ref name=bl-20201227>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-27/turkey-backed-syrian-rebels-to-join-libya-war-against-haftar |title=Turkish Navy to Guard Tripoli as Syrian Rebels May Join War |author1=Selcan Hacaoglu |author2=Samer Al-Atrush |publisher=Bloomberg |date=27 December 2019 |access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref> The Speaker of the Turkish Parliament subsequently announced Turkey's plans to send troops to help Libya's Presidential Council's government, especially after the efforts of Haftar's backers, including UAE, to pressurize Fayez Al-Sarraj to recede the request for Turkey's support.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/turkish-parliament-receives-bill-deploy-troops-libya|title=Turkish Parliament receives bill to deploy troops to Libya {{!}} The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|language=en|access-date=2019-12-31}}</ref> On 2 January 2020, the [[Turkish Grand National Assembly]] voted 325–184 to send troops to help the internationally recognized Government of National Accord in Libya.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/turkey-parliament-approves-military-deployment-libya-200102113511422.html|title=Turkey's parliament approves military deployment to Libya|website=Al Jazeera|date=2 January 2020}}</ref> In February 2020, the captain of the Lebanese-flagged cargo ship ''Bana'' was arrested in Italy. The vessel was accused of transferring arms and Turkish military personnel from Turkey to Libya in violation of the United Nations arms embargo. A crew member offered information to the Italian authorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/feb/19/ship-captain-arrested-in-probe-of-arms-trafficking/|title=Ship captain arrested in probe of arms trafficking to Libya|access-date=19 February 2020|website=washingtontimes}}</ref> The [[French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle]] also spotted the ship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/11/suspected-military-supplies-libya-un-cargo|title=Suspected military supplies pour into Libya as UN flounders|access-date=11 March 2020|website=theguardian|date=11 March 2020}}</ref> In addition, a [[BBC]] report confirmed that Turkey was sending secret arms shipments into Libya with the ''Bana'', with the escort of Turkish navy frigates.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-52037533|title=Turkey sends secret arms shipments into Libya|work=BBC News|access-date=26 March 2020}}</ref> On 21 September 2020, Council of the European Union imposed sanctions on the Turkish maritime company Avrasya Shipping which operates the Çirkin freighter, because the vessel found to have violated the UN arms embargo in Libya in May and June 2020.<ref name="EU September sanctions"/> |
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* {{flag|United Kingdom}} – Following France's evacuation of some British nationals, the UK's embassy in Tripoli was the only diplomatic mission still open in the war-torn city. However, British diplomats residing there have sought refuge in a fortified compound south-west of the city to avoid the repetitive rocket attacks by warring militias.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/30/uk-embassy-libya-open-tripoli-fighting|title=UK embassy in Libya remains open as French flee fierce fighting|work=The Guardian|date=30 July 2014|access-date=16 August 2014|author=Stephen, Chris}}</ref> Three days earlier, a convoy carrying British diplomats from Tripoli to Tunisia came under fire when their vehicles refused to stop at an unofficial checkpoint in the outskirts of the city.<ref name="British diplomats attacked">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/10994333/British-diplomats-attacked-during-evacuation-from-Libyan-embassy.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/10994333/British-diplomats-attacked-during-evacuation-from-Libyan-embassy.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=British diplomats attacked during evacuation from Libyan embassy|work=The Telegraph|date=27 July 2014|access-date=16 August 2014|author1=Spencer, Richard |author2=Morajea, Hassan |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 2 August, the [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] finally announced that it would temporarily close its embassy in the capital and evacuate its staff. Ambassador [[Michael Aron]] said that the embassy would continue to operate from Tunisia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/02/british-embassy-withdraws-libya-attacks-ambushes|title=Britain to close embassy and withdraw staff from Libya|work=The Guardian|date=2 August 2014|access-date=16 August 2014|author=Stephen, Chris}}</ref> The following day, the [[Royal Navy]] ship [[HMS Enterprise (H88)|HMS ''Enterprise'']] managed to evacuate more than a hundred foreign nationals from the country to [[Malta]], most of whom were British, in an operation off the coast of Tripoli.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28627158|title=Royal Navy ship takes Britons from Libya to Malta|publisher=BBC|date=4 August 2014|access-date=16 August 2014}}</ref> In March 2016, Ambassador [[Peter Millett (diplomat)|Peter Millett]] called for "a much more coordinated approach between the different groups, regions and forces and the armed groups in Libya" in order to defeat ISIL in Libya.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dalli|first1=Kim|title=Coordinated approach needed to resist ISIS – British ambassador to Libya|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160312/local/coordinated-approach-needed-to-resist-isis.605404|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=12 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312212322/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160312/local/coordinated-approach-needed-to-resist-isis.605404|archive-date=12 March 2016}}</ref> Head of British Embassy in Libya, Nicholas Hopton said that Britain is drafting a resolution in the Security Council in order to genuinely end the Libyan crisis. The draft resolution urges the U.N. and the international community to effectively achieve a ceasefire with the help of a monitoring mission and other sources, the HCS Information Office said.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/britain-exerts-efforts-consolidate-ceasefire-libya|title=Britain exerts efforts to consolidate ceasefire in Libya {{!}} The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|language=en|access-date=2020-01-28}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|United Arab Emirates}} – In June 2019 the GNA discovered a cache of US-made Javelin anti-tank missiles in a captured LNA base in the mountains south of Tripoli. Markings on the missiles' shipping containers indicate that they were originally sold to Oman and the United Arab Emirates in 2008. Emirati forces, who previously conducted airstrikes on Islamist targets in Libya, were suspected of backing General Khalifa Haftar. The United States State Department and Defense Department stated they have opened investigations into how the weapons ended up on the Libyan battlefield.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/28/world/africa/libya-american-missiles.html|title=American Missiles Found in Libyan Rebel Compound|first1=Declan|last1=Walsh|first2=Eric|last2=Schmitt|first3=John|last3=Ismay|newspaper=The New York Times|date=28 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/libya-arms-embargo-investigates-uae-violations-190507162028284.html|title=Libya arms embargo: UN investigates UAE violations|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref> The Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement denying ownership of weapons found in Libya and stated that it supported United Nations-led efforts to broker a political solution to the conflict.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/02/world/united-arab-emirates-denies-sending-american-missiles-to-libya.html|title=United Arab Emirates Denies Sending American Missiles to Libya|newspaper=The New York Times|date=2 July 2019}}</ref> France later released a statement that the missiles found in the base belonged to France, and that they were damaged and out of use.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/07/11/world/france-says-missiles-found-pro-khalifa-hifter-base-libya/|title=France says its missiles were found on pro-Khalifa Hifter base in Libya|newspaper=Japan Times|date=July 2019|access-date=11 July 2019|archive-date=11 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711192820/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/07/11/world/france-says-missiles-found-pro-khalifa-hifter-base-libya/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Nevertheless, the UAE has been identified as a strong supporter of Khalifa Haftar and the LNA, which saw the Libyan general and his forces as the best bulwark to contain and combat various Islamist groups in the war torn country; the UN reported that the UAE supplied Haftar's forces with aircraft, over 100 armoured vehicles and over US$200 million in aid.<ref>{{cite journal| last1=Mannocchi|first1=Francesa|title=How people in Tripoli experience the battle for Libya's capital|journal=Zenith|date=21 June 2019|url=https://magazine.zenith.me/en/politics/war-libya-and-battle-tripoli|access-date=8 August 2019}}</ref> According to ''[[The Libya Observer]]'', a covert deal between Khalifa Haftar and figures from the Muammar Gaddafi-era, Revolutionary Committees, was signed in [[Abu Dhabi]], UAE. Both the parties agreed to share power in Libya, enabling Gaddafi's loyalists to retrieve power in return for supporting Haftar in the ongoing fighting.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/haftar-gaddafi-era-revolutionary-committees-figures-sign-secret-deal-uae-share-power|title=Haftar, Gaddafi-era Revolutionary Committees figures sign secret deal in UAE to share power |website=The Libya Observer |language=en|access-date=2019-12-16}}</ref> According to a French Intelligence website, UAE supplied around 3,000 tons of military equipment to Haftar forces in late January 2020. The transit operation was completed through "Antonov 124" aircraft owned by Abu Dhabi [[Crown Prince]] [[Mohammed bin Zayed]] and operated by Makassimos Air Cargo Company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/french-sources-uae-sent-3000-tons-military-support-haftar|title=French sources: UAE sent 3,000 tons of military support to Haftar |website=The Libya Observer |language=en|access-date=2020-02-02}}</ref> In April 2020, it was reported that the United Arab Emirates secretly purchased an advanced [[Missile defense|missile system]] from [[Israel]]. The UAE, which had been supplying weapons to Khalifa Haftar in the [[Libyan civil war]], also deployed the Israeli-made missile system in the war through the [[Libyan National Army|LNA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/4/10/uae-supplying-libyas-haftar-with-israeli-air-defences|title=UAE supplying Libya's Haftar with Israeli air defences|access-date=17 April 2020|website=[[The New Arab]]|date=10 April 2020}}</ref> On 20 April 2020, the ''Financial Times'' reported the suspected violation of an international [[arms embargo]] by the United Arab Emirates. It reported the claims after reviewing documents that cited 11,000 tonnes of jet fuel shipment worth nearly $5 million was sent by the UAE to Khalifa Haftar-controlled eastern Libya in March 2020. The shipment is currently under probe by a panel of experts from the United Nations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/c3405be4-a9f1-4902-8356-73f5ece37825|title=UAE groups implicated in suspected violation of Libyan arms embargo|access-date=20 April 2020|website=[[Financial Times]]|date=20 April 2020|last1=England|first1=Andrew}}</ref> According to [[Human Rights Watch]], on 18 November 2019, the UAE launched a drone attack on a biscuit factory in Al-Sunbulah that killed 8 civilians and injured 27. The factory was shut down after the attack. According to an investigation led by Human Rights Watch, the factory had no military presence. The remnants of four laser-guided missiles – Blue Arrow-7 (BA-7) – were found, which were launched via a [[Wing Loong II]] drone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/04/29/libya-uae-strike-kills-8-civilians|title= UAE Strike Kills 8 Civilians|access-date=29 April 2020|website=Human Rights Watch|date= 29 April 2020}}</ref> In May 2020, a confidential report by the United Nations revealed that the UAE had been supporting the mission of Khalifa Haftar through two [[Dubai]]-based companies, Lancaster 6 DMCC and Opus Capital Asset Limited FZE. These firms deployed a team of 20 Western mercenaries led by [[South Africa]]n national Steve Lodge to Libya for a "well funded [[private military company]] operation" in June 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-14/western-mercenaries-went-to-libya-to-help-moscow-s-man-un-finds|title=Western Team Went to Help Moscow's Man in Libya, UN Finds|access-date=14 May 2020|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=14 May 2020}}</ref> An investigation by ''[[BBC Africa Eye]]'' and BBC Arabic Documentaries revealed that in a strike on 4 January 2020, the UAE-operated Wing Loong II drone was used to fire a Chinese [[HJ-10|Blue Arrow 7 missile]], which killed 26 unarmed cadets. During that time, the Wing Loong II drones were being operated only from the UAE-run Al-Khadim Libyan air base.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53917791|title=UAE implicated in lethal drone strike in Libya|work=BBC News|date=28 August 2020|access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DVE0tkGSaM|title=Libya's 'Game of Drones' – full documentary|access-date=27 August 2020|website=YouTube|date=27 August 2020 }}</ref> In December 2020, the [[The Pentagon|US Pentagon]] said that the UAE funded the Russian [[mercenaries]] to fight against the US-backed government in Libya. The reported presented by the Pentagon's inspector general also revealed that the Emirates was majorly a financial backer of Russia's [[Wagner Group]], who deployed its mercenaries in Libya.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uae-accused-of-funding-russian-rebels-in-libya-cnpj8gvfl|title=UAE accused of funding Russian rebels in Libya|access-date=3 December 2020|website=The Sunday Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/2020/12/02/uae-arms-sale-wagner-group/|title=Arms Sale to UAE Goes Forward Even as U.S. Probes Tie Between UAE and Russian Mercenaries|access-date=2 December 2020|website=The Intercept|date=2 December 2020}}</ref> In June 2019, the Dubai-based firm owned by the Australian pilot Christiaan Durrant, Lancaster 6 supplied three Super Pumas to Haftar's LNA. However, the helicopters were considered insufficiently operational and remained in their hangars until May 2021. The Super Pumas were seen at Haftar's military parade in 2021 and were expected to be integrated into his air force.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.africaintelligence.com/north-africa_business/2021/07/01/how-haftar-resurrected-his-three-super-pumas,109676883-art|title=How Haftar resurrected his three Super Pumas|access-date=1 July 2021|website=African Intelligence|date=July 2021}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|United States}} – The United States has been active in post-2011 Libya with the military carrying out sporadic airstrikes and raids in the country, predominantly against Islamist groups. In 2014, U.S. commandos seized an oil tanker bound for anti-government militias and returned it to the Libyan national government.<ref name="Washington Post 2014">{{cite news |title=U.S. Navy SEALs take over oil tanker for return to Libya |newspaper=Washington Post |date=2014-03-17 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-seals-board-north-korea-flagged-tanker-for-return-to-libya/2014/03/17/ddab14bc-add6-11e3-9627-c65021d6d572_story.html |access-date=2018-02-24}}</ref> Two months later, the U.S. embassy in [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]] was evacuated due to a heavy militia presence in the capital.<ref name="Starr Sterling Ansari 2014">{{cite web |last1=Starr |first1=Barbara |last2=Sterling |first2=Joe |last3=Ansari |first3=Azadeh |title=U.S. Embassy in Libya evacuates personnel |work=CNN|date=2014-07-26 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/26/world/africa/libya-us-embassy-evacuation/index.html |access-date=2018-02-24}}</ref> In 2015, U.S. warplanes killed the head of the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya|Islamic State in Libya]] in a strike.<ref name="Pengelly Stephen 2015">{{cite web |last1=Pengelly |first1=Martin |last2=Stephen |first2=Chris |title=Islamic State leader in Libya 'killed in US airstrike' |website=The Guardian |date=2015-11-14 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/14/us-airstrike-isis-leader-libya |access-date=2018-02-24}}</ref> In 2016, [[U.S. President]] [[Barack Obama]] stated that not preparing for a post-Gaddafi Libya was the "worst mistake" of his presidency.<ref name=bbc-20160411>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36013703 |title=President Obama: Libya aftermath 'worst mistake' of presidency |work=BBC News |date=11 April 2016 |access-date=14 September 2016}}</ref> On 19 January 2017, the day before President Obama left office, the United States bombed two IS camps in Libya, reportedly killing 80 militants.<ref name="Starr 2017">{{cite web |last=Starr |first=Barbara |title=First on CNN: US bombs ISIS camps in Libya, dozens killed |work=CNN|date=2017-01-19 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/01/19/politics/us-airstrikes-libya-isis/index.html |access-date=2018-02-24}}</ref> These types of operations have continued under the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] with a September 2017 airstrike killing an estimated 17 IS militants.<ref name="Browne 2017">{{cite web |last=Browne |first=Ryan |title=US strikes Libya for first time under Trump |work=CNN|date=2017-09-24 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/24/politics/us-strikes-libya-trump/index.html |access-date=2018-02-24}}</ref> On 25 September 2019, airstrike carried out by the U.S. killed 11 suspected ISIL militants in the town of Murzuq, Libya. This was the second airstrike in a week against the militant group, according to U.S. Africa Command.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2019/Sep-25/492269-us-airstrike-against-daesh-in-libya-kills-11.ashx|title=US airstrike against Daesh in Libya kills 11 {{!}} News, Middle East {{!}} THE DAILY STAR|journal=The Daily Star|access-date=2019-09-26}}</ref> A U.S. military air-raid, on 27 September, killed 17 suspected ISIL militants in southwest Libya, making it a third strike against the militia group within a month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyanexpress.com/17-isis-militants-killed-by-third-strike-by-us-africa-command-on-southern-libya/|title=17 ISIS militants killed by third strike by US Africa Command on southern Libya|date=2019-09-28|website=Libyan Express|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref> On 30 September, US Africa Command said it conducted an airstrike in southern Libya that killed 7 ISIL militants, alongside the Government of National Accord. This marked the fourth raid in the region against ISIL in two weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/us-africa-command-kills-7-isis-terrorists-new-airstrikes-southern-libya|title=US Africa Command kills 7 ISIS terrorists in new airstrikes on southern Libya {{!}} The Libya Observer|website=www.libyaobserver.ly|language=en|access-date=2019-10-01}}</ref> On 10 February 2020, at least six Libyan families sued Haftar and the UAE government in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia for committing war crimes in Libya. The families of victims who were either killed, injured or faced attempted killings, demanded $1 billion in damages, said the plaintiffs' attorneys, Martin F. McMahon & Associates.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.libyanexpress.com/six-libyan-families-sue-haftar-uae-at-a-us-court-for-war-crimes/|title=Six Libyan families sue Haftar, UAE at a US court for war crimes|date=2020-02-11|website=Libyan Express|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-02-12}}</ref> The lawsuit filed against the Libyan military commander [[Khalifa Haftar]] by the families of the victims that were killed during the military campaign by Haftar's army, backed by [[Russia]], the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]] and [[Egypt]]. First hearing of the case was on 29 September 2020, where Haftar's lawyer urged the court to drop the charges of war atrocities was rejected by Alexandria [[United States district court|US District court]] judge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/libya-army-lawsuits-virginia-khalifa-hifter-245489eec13b8790a8b746b7162eccec|title=Judge allows US suit against Libyan commander to move ahead|access-date=29 September 2020|website=Associated Press News|date=29 September 2020 }}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Ukraine}} – A number of Il-76TD turbofan strategic airlifters belonging to Ukraine-registered companies have been destroyed in Libya. Russian news outlets claimed the aircraft were possibly smuggling arms to both sides of the civil war. This claim was rejected by [[Ukrainian Independent Information Agency]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unian.info/politics/10681182-ukrainian-footprint-in-libyan-civil-war-russian-disinformation-media.html|title=Ukrainian "footprint" in Libyan civil war Russian disinformation – media|access-date=11 September 2019|website=Unian}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Kazakhstan}} – On 21 September 2020, the European Union sanctioned the Sigma Airlines also known as Sigma Aviation and Air Sigma, a commercial cargo air company from Kazakhstan, because the UN found that it have violated the arms embargo in Libya.<ref name="EU September sanctions"/> In addition, the Kazakh authorities stripped the licenses of the Sigma Airlines together with the Azee Air and Jenis Air after the UN Security Council had informed them that they have violated the embargo.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.barrons.com/news/kazakhstan-suspends-three-airlines-for-breaking-un-libya-embargo-01600847703|title= Kazakhstan Suspends Three Airlines For Breaking UN Libya Embargo |access-date=23 September 2020|website=barrons.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/07/turkey-and-uae-openly-flouting-un-arms-embargo-to-fuel-war-in-libya|title= Turkey and UAE openly flouting UN arms embargo to fuel war in Libya |access-date=7 October 2020|website=The Guardian|date= 7 October 2020 }}</ref> |
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* {{flag|European Union}} – In March 2020, the EU launched the [[Operation Irini]], with the primary task of implementing the UN arms embargo. On 21 September 2020, Council of the European Union imposed sanctions on 2 individuals and 3 companies (Sigma Airlines – Kazakhstan, Avrasya Shipping – Turkey, Med Wave Shipping – Jordan) over their involvement in the violation of [[United Nations|UN]] arms embargo in [[Libya]]. The sanctions included the freezing of assets of individuals and a travel ban on the individuals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/09/21/libya-eu-imposes-additional-sanctions-for-human-rights-abuses-and-arms-embargo-violations/|title= Libya: EU imposes additional sanctions for human rights abuses and arms embargo violations |access-date=21 September 2020|website=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="EU September sanctions"/> |
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;Sports |
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====International Response==== |
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* Libya had been awarded the rights to host the [[2017 Africa Cup of Nations]] in [[association football]]; however, the tournament was stripped from the country in August 2014, due to concerns over the ongoing conflict.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFKBN0GN0F920140823|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120058/http://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFKBN0GN0F920140823|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2014|title=Libya stripped of right to host 2017 Nations Cup|publisher=Reuters|date=23 August 2014}}</ref> |
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On 27 August the [[UN Security Council]] unanimously approved resolution 2174 (2014), which called for an immediate ceasefire and an inclusive political dialogue.<ref>[http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2014/sc11537.doc.htm United Nations Security Council - Resolution 2174 (2014)]</ref> The resolution also threatened to impose sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel bans, against the leaders and supporters of the various militias involved in the fighting, if the individuals threaten either the security of Libya or the political process.<ref name="BBC 27Aug Resolution">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=27 August 2014 |title=UN to impose sanctions on Libyan militia leaders |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-28959587 |newspaper=[[BBC News]] |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref> |
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== See also == |
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==Foreign reactions, involvement and evacuations== |
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{{Portal|Libya|Politics}} |
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{{Expand section|reactions of the Arab League, European countries, USA, Russia|date=August 2014}} |
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* [[2022 Tripoli clashes]] |
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* [[2020 Turkish intervention in Libya]] |
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* [[American intervention in Libya (2015–2019)]] |
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* [[European migrant crisis]] |
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== References == |
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===Neighboring countries=== |
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{{Reflist|refs= |
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<ref name="UNSMIL_Salame_20190409">{{cite web| title =Statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary General in Libya, Ghassan Salamé, on the National Conference| publisher = [[United Nations Support Mission in Libya]] | date = 2019-04-09| url = https://unsmil.unmissions.org/statement-special-representative-secretary-general-libya-ghassan-salam%C3%A9-national-conference| access-date =2019-04-09 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200509232254/https://unsmil.unmissions.org/statement-special-representative-secretary-general-libya-ghassan-salam%C3%A9-national-conference| archive-date=2020-05-09 | url-status=live}}</ref> |
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====Algeria==== |
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Early in May, the Algerian military said it was engaged in an operation aimed at tracking down militants who infiltrated the country's territory in [[Tamanrasset Province|Tamanrasset]] near the Libyan border, during which it announced that it managed to kill 10 "terrorists" and seized a large cache of weapons near the town of Janet consisting of automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition boxes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/05/algeria-terrorism-egypt-alliance-libya.html|title=Algeria considers Egypt alliance to confront Libyan terror threat|publisher=[[Al-Monitor]]|date=May 21, 2014|accessdate=July 31, 2014 |author=Shabbi, Omar|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808051807/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/05/algeria-terrorism-egypt-alliance-libya.html|deadurl=no |archivedate=August 8, 2014}}</ref> ''[[The Times]]'' reported on May 30 that Algerian forces were strongly present in Libya and it was claimed shortly after by an Algerian journalist from ''[[El Watan]]'' that a full regiment of 3,500 paratroopers logistically supported by 1,500 other men crossed into Libya and occupied a zone in the west of the country. They were later shown to be operating alongside French special forces in the region. However, all of these claims were later denied by the Algerian government through Prime Minister [[Abdelmalek Sellal]] who told the senate that "Algeria has always shown its willingness to assist [our] sister countries, but things are clear: the Algerian army will not undertake any operation outside Algerian territory".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/truth-and-algerian-involvement-libya-1979161660|title=Truth and Algerian involvement in Libya|work=[[Middle East Eye]]|date=July 7, 2014|accessdate=July 31, 2014|author=Keenan, Jeremy|archivedate=July 23, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140723030325/http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/truth-and-algerian-involvement-libya-1979161660|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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<ref name="UNSMIL_Salame_190904">{{cite web | title = Remarks of SRSG Ghassan Salamé to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Libya – 4 September 2019 | website= [[United Nations Support Mission in Libya|UNSMIL]] |date = 2019-09-04 | url = https://unsmil.unmissions.org/remarks-srsg-ghassan-salam%C3%A9-united-nations-security-council-situation-libya-4-september-2019 | access-date = 2019-09-09 |archive-url= http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20201223123407/http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=https://unsmil.unmissions.org/remarks-srsg-ghassan-salam%C3%A9-united-nations-security-council-situation-libya-4-september-2019 |archive-date= 2020-12-23 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On May 16, the Algerian government responded to a threat on its embassy in Libya by sending a team of special forces to Tripoli to escort its diplomatic staff in a military plane out of the country. "Due to a real and imminent threat targeting our diplomats the decision was taken in coordination with Libyan authorities to urgently close our embassy and consulate general temporarily in Tripoli," the Algerian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/16/us-algeria-libya-idUSBREA4F0J420140516|title=Algeria evacuates diplomats from Libya after threats|agency=Reuters|date=May 16, 2014|accessdate=July 31, 2014|author=Chikhi, Lamine|archivedate=July 13, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140713111645/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/16/us-algeria-libya-idUSBREA4F0J420140516|deadurl=no}}</ref> Three days later, the Algerian government shut down all of its border crossings with Libya and the army command raised its security alert status by tightening its presence along the border, especially on the Tinalkoum and Debdab border crossings. This also came as the state-owned energy firm, [[Sonatrach]], evacuated all of its workers from Libya and halted production in the country.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ramzi, Walid|accessdate=July 31, 2014|url=http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/05/20/feature-01|title=Algeria shuts Libya border|work=[[Magharebia]]|date=May 20, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808053955/http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/05/20/feature-01|archivedate=August 8, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> In mid-August, Algeria opened its border for Egyptian refugees stranded in Libya and said it would grant them exceptional visas to facilitate their return to Egypt.<ref name="Egyptian shot dead, Algeria to open border">{{cite web | url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/08/16/egyptian-shot-dead-tunisian-libyan-border-algeria-open-border-egyptians/ | title=Egyptian shot dead at Tunisian-Libyan border, Algeria to open border for Egyptians | publisher=Daily News Egypt | date=August 16, 2014 | accessdate=August 20, 2014 | author=Cousin, Edward}}</ref> |
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<ref name="WashPost_NatConf">{{cite web| title = UN urges Libyans to work for peace at National Conference| publisher =[[The Washington Post]]/[[Associated Press]]| date = 2019-03-26 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/un-urges-libyans-to-work-for-peace-at-national-conference/2019/03/26/0bb403ca-500f-11e9-bdb7-44f948cc0605_story.html| access-date =2019-04-09 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190409192631/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/un-urges-libyans-to-work-for-peace-at-national-conference/2019/03/26/0bb403ca-500f-11e9-bdb7-44f948cc0605_story.html| archive-date= 2019-04-09| url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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====Egypt==== |
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Egyptian authorities have long expressed concern over the instability in eastern Libya spilling over into Egypt due to the rise of jihadist movements in the region, which the government believes to have developed into a safe transit for wanted Islamists following the [[2013 Egyptian coup d'état|2013 coup d'état]] in Egypt that ousted [[Muslim Brotherhood]]-backed president [[Mohamed Morsi]]. There have been numerous attacks on Egypt's trade interests in Libya which were rampant prior to Haftar's offensive, especially with the kidnapping of truck drivers and sometimes workers were murdered.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/6870/21/Egypt-and-the-Libyan-threat.aspx|title=Egypt and the Libyan threat|newspaper=[[Al-Ahram]] Weekly|date=July 23, 2014|accessdate=July 31, 2014|author=Hanafi, Khaled|archivedate=August 8, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808053916/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/6870/21/Egypt-and-the-Libyan-threat.aspx}}</ref> Due to this, the military-backed government in Egypt had many reasons to support Haftar's rebellion and the Islamist [[February 17th Martyrs Brigade]] operating in Libya has accused the Egyptian government of supplying Haftar with weapons and ammunition, a claim denied by both Cairo and the rebel leader.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/05/libya-crisis-haftar-egypt-intevene-brotherhood.html|title=Will Egypt intervene in Libya crisis?|publisher=Al-Monitor|date=May 22, 2014|accessdate=July 31, 2014|author=Dali, Mustafa|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140718212037/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/05/libya-crisis-haftar-egypt-intevene-brotherhood.html|archivedate=July 18, 2014}}</ref> Furthermore, Egyptian President [[Abdel Fattah el-Sisi]], who has become increasingly popular among many Libyans wishing for stability,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/26/us-libya-egypt-idUSBREA4P03P20140526|title=In lawless Libya, Egypt's Sisi becomes a star|agency=Reuters|date=May 26, 2014|accessdate=July 31, 2014|author=Laessing, Ulf}}</ref> has called on the United States to intervene militarily in Libya during his presidential candidacy, warning that Libya was becoming a major security challenge and vowed not to allow the turmoil there to threaten Egypt's national security.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/24/us-egypt-sisi-libya-idUSBREA4N06Q20140524|title=Sisi says Egypt will not allow threats to security from Libya|agency= Reuters|date=May 24, 2014|accessdate=July 31, 2014|author1=Westall, Sylvia|author2=Fick, Maggie |author3=Heinrich, Mark|archivedate=August 8, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808062126/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/24/us-egypt-sisi-libya-idUSBREA4N06Q20140524|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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<ref name="NatConf_postponed">{{cite news | last1= Zaptia| first1= Sami| title= UNSMIL postpones Ghadames National Conference until conditions are right | date= 2019-04-09 | publisher= Libya Herald | url= https://www.libyaherald.com/2019/04/09/unsmil-postpones-ghadames-national-conference-until-conditions-are-right/| access-date=2019-04-09 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190411033724/https://www.libyaherald.com/2019/04/09/unsmil-postpones-ghadames-national-conference-until-conditions-are-right/| archive-date=2019-04-11 | url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On July 21, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry urged its nationals residing in Libya to adopt measures of extreme caution as it was preparing to send consular staff in order to facilitate their return their country following [[July 2014 Al-Wadi Al-Gedid attack|an attack]] in Egypt's western desert region near the border with Libya that left 22 Egyptian border guards killed.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/07/21/foreign-ministry-urges-egyptians-libya-take-measures-extreme-caution/|title=Foreign ministry urges Egyptians in Libya to take measures of ‘extreme caution’|newspaper=[[Daily News Egypt]]|date=July 21, 2014|accessdate=July 31, 2014|author=Zaki, Menna|deadurl=no|archivedate=August 8, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808062126/http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/07/21/foreign-ministry-urges-egyptians-libya-take-measures-extreme-caution/}}</ref> A week later, the ministry announced that it would double its diplomatic officials on the Libyan-Tunisian border and reiterated its call on Egyptian nationals to find shelter in safer places in Libya.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/107348/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-doubles-diplomatic-staff-to-help-Egyptians-l.aspx|title=Egypt doubles diplomatic staff to help Egyptians leave Libya|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=July 29, 2014|accessdate=July 31, 2014}}</ref> On August 3, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia agreed to cooperate by establishing an [[Airbridge (logistics)|airbridge]] between Cairo and Tunis that would facilitate the transfer of 2,000 to 2,500 Egyptians from Libya daily.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/xinhua-news-agency/140804/roundup-egypt-steps-evacuating-nationals-tunisia-libya-borde | title=Roundup: Egypt steps up evacuating nationals on Tunisia-Libya borders | publisher=GlobalPost | work=Xinhua News Agency | date=August 4, 2014 | accessdate=August 21, 2014}}</ref> |
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<ref name="UNSMIL_LPDF_approves_selection_mech">{{cite web | title= UNSMIL announces that LPDF approves the proposal of selection mechanism of executive authority for the preparatory period | website= [[United Nations Support Mission in Libya]] |date = 2021-01-19 | url = https://unsmil.unmissions.org/unsmil-announces-lpdf-approves-proposal-selection-mechanism-executive-authority-preparatory-period | access-date = 2021-01-20 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20210120224934/https://unsmil.unmissions.org/unsmil-announces-lpdf-approves-proposal-selection-mechanism-executive-authority-preparatory-period |archive-date= 2021-01-20 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On July 31, two Egyptians were shot dead during a clash at the Libyan-Tunisian border where hundreds of Egyptians were staging a protest at the Ras Jdeir border crossing. As they tried to cross into Tunisia, Libyan authorities opened fire to disperse them.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/31/us-libya-security-tunisia-idUSKBN0G02HL20140731 | title=Two Egyptians shot dead in Libya-Tunisia border clash: state media | publisher=Reuters | date=July 31, 2014 | accessdate=August 20, 2014 | author=Argoubi, Mohamed}}</ref> A similar incident occurred once again on August 15, when Libyan security forces shot dead an Egyptian who attempted to force his way through the border along with hundreds of stranded Egyptians and almost 1,200 Egyptians made it into Tunisia that day.<ref name="Egyptian shot dead, Algeria to open border"/> This came a few days after Egypt's Minister of Civil Aviation, Hossam Kamal, announced that the emergency airlift consisting of 46 flights aimed at evacuating the country's nationals from Libya came to a conclusion, adding that 11,500 Egyptians in total had returned from the war-torn country as of August 9.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/08/10/emergency-airlift-egypt-tunisia-ends/ | title=Emergency airlift between Egypt and Tunisia ends | publisher=Daily News Egypt | date=August 10, 2014 | accessdate=August 21, 2014 | author=Kortam, Hend}}</ref> A week later, all Egyptians on the Libyan-Tunisian border were evacuated and the consulate's staff, who were reassigned to work at the border area, withdrew from Libya following the operation's success.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/08/18/egyptians-libyan-tunisian-border-evacuated/ | title=Egyptians in Libyan-Tunisian border evacuated | publisher=Daily News Egypt | date=August 18, 2014 | accessdate=August 21, 2014 | author=Abaza, Jihad}}</ref> Meanwhile, an estimated 50,000 Egyptians (4,000 per day) arrived at the [[Sallum|Salloum]] border crossing on the Libyan-Egyptian border as of early August.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/107718/Egypt/Politics-/Almost-,-Egyptians-fled-Libya-through-Matrouh-bord.aspx | title=Almost 50,000 Egyptians fled Libya through Matrouh border in last month | publisher=Al-Ahram | date=August 4, 2014 | accessdate=August 21, 2014}}</ref> |
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<ref name="LPDF_unified_executive_selection_mechanism">{{cite web | title= The Selection Mechanism for the Unified Executive Authority Adopted by LPDF Members | website= [[United Nations Support Mission in Libya]] |date = 2021-01-19 | url = https://unsmil.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/adopted_selection_mechanism_eng_ara.pdf | access-date = 2021-01-20 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210120225929/https://unsmil.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/adopted_selection_mechanism_eng_ara.pdf |archive-date= 2021-01-20 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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====Tunisia==== |
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Post-revolutionary Tunisia also had its share of instability due to the violence in Libya as it witnessed an unprecedented rise in radical Islamism with increased militant activity and weapons' smuggling through the border.<ref>{{cite web|author=Ghanmi, Monia|work=Magharebia|url= http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2013/09/25/feature-01|title=Tunisia confronts arms smuggling|date=September 25, 2013|accessdate=July 31, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808053839/http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2013/09/25/feature-01|deadurl= no|archivedate=August 8, 2014}}</ref> |
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}} |
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In response to the initial clashes in May, the Tunisian National Council for Security held an emergency meeting and decided to deploy 5,000 soldiers to the Libyan–Tunisian border in anticipation of potential consequences from the fighting.<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=May 23, 2014|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/18/tunisia-plans-to-send-5000-extra-troops-to-libyan-border-because-of-libya-crisis/#axzz327nkqH3k|title=Tunisia to send 5,000 extra troops to Libyan border because of Libya crisis|author=Houda Mzioudet|date=May 18, 2014|newspaper=Libya Herald |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140526035230/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/05/18/tunisia-plans-to-send-5000-extra-troops-to-libyan-border-because-of-libya-crisis/#axzz327nkqH3k |archivedate=May 26, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> On July 30, Tunisian Foreign Minister [[Mongi Hamdi]] said that the country cannot cope with the high number of refugees coming from Libya due to the renewed fighting. "Our country's economic situation is precarious, and we cannot cope with hundreds of thousands of refugees," Hamdi said in a statement. He also added that Tunisia will close its borders if necessary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/tunisia-says-cant-cope-libya-refugee-influx-524332439|title=Tunisia says can't cope with Libya refugee influx |newspaper=Middle East Eye|date=July 30, 2014|accessdate=July 31, 2014|archivedate=August 8, 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140808113923/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/tunisia-says-cant-cope-libya-refugee-influx-524332439|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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== |
==Further reading== |
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* [[Daveed Gartenstein-Ross]], [https://web.archive.org/web/20141029202928/http://www.icct.nl/publications/icct-commentaries/terrorism-in-north-africa-after-benghazi-the-jihadist-regional-outlook ''Terrorism in North Africa After Benghazi: The Jihadist Regional Outlook'' (International Centre for Counter-Terrorism – The Hague, 2013)] |
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*{{flag|France}} - On July 30, the French government temporarily closed its embassy in Tripoli, while 40 French, including the ambassador, and 7 British nationals were evacuated on a French warship bound to the port of [[Toulon]] in southern France. "We have taken all necessary measures to allow those French nationals who so wish to leave the country temporarily," the foreign ministry said in a statement.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28564637 | title=France evacuates French and British expats from Libya | publisher=BBC | date=July 30, 2014 | accessdate=August 16, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.france24.com/en/20140730-france-libya-embassy-evacuate-nationals-militias/ | title=France evacuates nationals, closes embassy in Libya | publisher=France 24 | date=July 30, 2014 | accessdate=August 16, 2014}}</ref> |
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* Pelham, Nicolas. [http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2015/feb/19/libya-against-itself/ Libya Against Itself] (February 2015). "Libyans feel even more isolated than when the UN imposed sanctions on Qaddafi. The civil society that briefly emerged after the colonel's downfall has all but disappeared. Each activist can reel off the names of colleagues shot dead or kidnapped, often by Islamists." ''[[New York Review of Books]]'' |
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*{{flag|India}} - [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs]] spokesman, Syed Akbaruddin, said that India's diplomatic mission in Libya has been touch with the 4,500 Indian nationals, through several co-ordinators. "The mission is facilitating return of Indian nationals and working with the Libyan authorities to obtain necessary exit permissions for Indian nationals wanting to return," he said.<ref name="Indians leave Libya"/> |
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*{{flag|Thailand}} - In late July, the Thai government asked Libya's authorities to facilitate the evacuation of its nationals by exempting the need for exit visas.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/423239/thailand-asks-libyan-authorities-to-waive-visa-rules-as-the-need-for-a-speedy-evacuation-of-thais-in-the-war-torn-north-african-country-becomes-more-urgent | title=Libya asked to facilitate Thai evacuation | publisher=Bangkok Post | date=July 30, 2014 | accessdate=August 19, 2014 | author=Charoensuthipan, Penchan}}</ref> As of August 14, over 800 Thai workers have been successfully evacuated from the country,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNPOL5708160010002 | title=800 Thai workers from Libya return home | publisher=National News Bureau of Thailand | date=August 14, 2014 | accessdate=August 19, 2014}}</ref> while Thailand's Ministry of Labour announced that it would prepare jobs for more than 2,800 workers residing in Libya.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pattayamail.com/business/thailand-prepares-jobs-for-thai-workers-arriving-from-libya-40283 | title=Thailand prepares jobs for Thai workers arriving from Libya | publisher=Pattaya Mail | date=August 8, 2014 | accessdate=August 19, 2014}}</ref> |
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*{{flag|United Kingdom}} - Following France's evacuation of some British nationals, the UK's embassy in Tripoli was the only diplomatic mission still open in the war-torn city. However, British diplomats residing there have sought refuge in a fortified compound south-west of the city to avoid the repetitive rocket attacks by warring militias.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/30/uk-embassy-libya-open-tripoli-fighting | title=UK embassy in Libya remains open as French flee fierce fighting | publisher=The Guardian | date=July 30, 2014 | accessdate=August 16, 2014 | author=Stephen, Chris}}</ref> Three days earlier, a convoy carrying British diplomats from Tripoli to Tunisia came under fire when their vehicles refused to stop at an unofficial checkpoint in the outskirts of the city.<ref name="British diplomats attacked">{{cite web | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/10994333/British-diplomats-attacked-during-evacuation-from-Libyan-embassy.html | title=British diplomats attacked during evacuation from Libyan embassy | publisher=The Telegraph | date=July 27, 2014 | accessdate=August 16, 2014 | author=Spencer, Richard; Morajea, Hassan}}</ref> On August 2, the [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] finally announced that it would temporarily close its embassy in the capital and evacuate its staff. Ambassador [[Michael Aron]] said that the embassy would continue to operate from Tunisia.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/02/british-embassy-withdraws-libya-attacks-ambushes | title=Britain to close embassy and withdraw staff from Libya | publisher=The Guardian | date=August 2, 2014 | accessdate=August 16, 2014 | author=Stephen, Chris}}</ref> The following day, the [[Royal Navy]] ship [[HMS Enterprise (H88)|HMS ''Enterprise'']] managed to evacuate more than a hundred foreign nationals from the country to [[Malta]], most of whom were British, in an operation off the coast of Tripoli.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28627158 | title=Royal Navy ship takes Britons from Libya to Malta | publisher=BBC | date=August 4, 2014 | accessdate=August 16, 2014}}</ref> |
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== External links == |
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==References== |
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{{Wikinews category|2014 Libyan conflict}} |
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{{Reflist|2}} |
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* {{commons category-inline}} |
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{{Libyan Civil War (2011)}} |
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{{Libya topics}} |
{{Libya topics}} |
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{{Libyan institutional transition}} |
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{{Ongoing military conflicts}} |
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{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} |
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{{Libyan Civil War}} |
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{{Iran–Saudi Arabia relations}} |
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{{Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict}} |
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{{Post-Cold War African conflicts}} |
{{Post-Cold War African conflicts}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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{{Portalbar|Libya|War|Current events}} |
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[[Category: |
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[[Category:Libyan Crisis (2011–present)| Libya 2014-2020]] |
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[[Category:2010s in Libya|Civil war]] |
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[[Category:2020s in Libya|Civil war]] |
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[[Category:Conflicts in 2014]] |
[[Category:Conflicts in 2014]] |
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[[Category:Conflicts in 2020]] |
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[[Category:Aftermath of the Libyan civil war (2011)]] |
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[[Category:Arab Winter in Libya]] |
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[[Category:Civil wars of the 21st century]] |
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[[Category:Civil wars in Libya]] |
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[[Category:Military history of Libya|Civil war]] |
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[[Category:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya]] |
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[[Category:Wars involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] |
Latest revision as of 21:26, 3 January 2025
Libyan civil war | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of the Arab Winter, the Libyan Crisis, the Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict, the War on terror, and the Qatar–Saudi Arabia diplomatic conflict | |||||||||
Military situation in Libya on 11 June 2020 Under the control of the Government of National Accord (GNA) and different militias forming the Libya Shield Force Controlled by local forces
(For a more detailed map, see military situation in the Libyan Civil War) | |||||||||
| |||||||||
Main belligerents | |||||||||
House of Representatives (Tobruk-based)[1][2]
Others:
Wagner Group Support: |
Government of National Accord (Tripoli-based) (from 2016)
Others:
Turkey (2020)[63][64][65] Support: National Salvation Government |
Islamic State al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (2014–2017)[101] Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries (2014–2017)[102][103] SCBR militia:
| |||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
Aguila Saleh Issa (President of House of Representatives) Abdullah al-Thani (Prime Minister)[109] Khalifa Haftar (High Commander of the LNA) Abdulrazek al-Nadoori (Chief of the General Staff of the LNA) Wanis Abu Khamada (Commander of Libyan Special Forces) Almabrook Suhban (Chief of Staff of the Libyan Ground Forces) Saqr Geroushi (Chief of Staff of the Libyan Air Force) (LNA-aligned) Faraj al-Mahdawi (Chief of Staff of the Libyan Navy) (LNA-aligned) Saif al-Islam Gaddafi (Candidate for President of Libya) Tayeb El-Safi (leader of Libyan Popular National Movement) Aladdin Meier (political secretary) |
Fayez al-Sarraj Nouri Abusahmain (2014–16) (President of the GNC) Khalifa al-Ghawil (2015–2017) (Prime Minister)[110] Sadiq Al-Ghariani (Grand Mufti) |
Abu Nabil al-Anbari † (Top ISIL leader in Libya)[111][112] Abu Khalid al Madani † (Former Ansar al-Sharia Leader) Ateyah Al-Shaari DMSC / DPF leader Wissam Ben Hamid †[117] (Libya Shield 1 Commander) Salim Derby † (Commander of Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade)[118] | |||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||||
14,882+ killed (2014–2018, 2019–2020, incomplete)[119][120][121][122][123] |
The Libyan civil war (2014–2020), also known as the Second Libyan Civil War, was a multilateral civil war which was fought in Libya among a number of armed groups, but mainly the House of Representatives (HoR) and the Government of National Accord (GNA), for six years from 2014 to 2020.[124]
The General National Congress (GNC), based in western Libya and backed by various militias with some support from Qatar and Turkey,[125][126][127][128][excessive citations] initially accepted the results of the 2014 election, but rejected them after the Supreme Constitutional Court nullified an amendment regarding the roadmap for Libya's transition and HoR elections.[13] The House of Representatives (or Council of Deputies) is in control of eastern and central Libya and has the loyalty of the Libyan National Army (LNA), and has been supported by airstrikes by Egypt and the UAE.[125] Due to controversy about constitutional amendments, HoR refused to take office from GNC in Tripoli,[129] which was controlled by armed Islamist groups from Misrata. Instead, HoR established its parliament in Tobruk, which is controlled by General Haftar's forces. In December 2015, the Libyan Political Agreement[130] was signed after talks in Skhirat, as the result of protracted negotiations between rival political camps based in Tripoli, Tobruk, and elsewhere which agreed to unite as the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). On 30 March 2016, Fayez Sarraj, the head of GNA, arrived in Tripoli and began working from there despite opposition from GNC.[131]
In addition to those three factions, there are: the Islamist Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries, led by Ansar al-Sharia, which had the support of the GNC and was defeated in Benghazi in 2017;[132][133][134] the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's (ISIL's) Libyan provinces;[135] the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna which expelled ISIL from Derna in July 2015 and was later itself defeated in Derna by the Tobruk government in 2018;[136] as well as other armed groups and militias whose allegiances often change.[125]
In May 2016, GNA and GNC launched a joint offensive to capture areas in and around Sirte from ISIL. This offensive resulted in ISIL losing control of all significant territories previously held in Libya.[137][138] Later in 2016, forces loyal to Khalifa al-Ghawil attempted a coup d'état against Fayez al-Sarraj and the Presidential Council of GNA.[139]
On 4 April 2019, Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army, called on his military forces to advance on Tripoli, the capital of the GNA, in the 2019–20 Western Libya campaign[140] This was met with reproach from United Nations Secretary General António Guterres and the United Nations Security Council.[141][142]
On 23 October 2020, the 5+5 Joint Libyan Military Commission representing the LNA and the GNA reached a "permanent ceasefire agreement in all areas of Libya". The agreement, effective immediately, required that all foreign fighters leave Libya within three months while a joint police force would patrol disputed areas. The first commercial flight between Tripoli and Benghazi took place that same day.[143][144] On 10 March 2021, an interim unity government was formed, which was slated to remain in place until the next Libyan presidential election scheduled for 24 December that year.[108] However, the election has been delayed several times[145][146][147] since, effectively rendering the unity government in power indefinitely, causing tensions which threaten to reignite the war.[67][68][53][27][28]
Background of discontent with General National Congress
[edit]At the beginning of 2014, Libya was governed by the General National Congress (GNC), which won the popular vote in 2012 elections. The GNC was made of two major political groups, the National Forces Alliance (NFC) and the Justice and Construction Party (JCP). The two major groups in parliament had failed to reach political compromises on the larger more important issues that the GNC faced.
Division among these parties, the row over the political isolation law, and a continuous unstable security situation greatly impacted the GNC's ability to deliver real progress towards a new constitution for Libya which was a primary task for this governing body.[148]
The GNC also included members associated with conservative Islamist groups as well as revolutionary groups (thuwwar). Some members of the GNC had a conflict of interest due to associations with militias and were accused of channeling government funds towards armed groups and allowing others to conduct assassinations and kidnappings. Parties holding majority of seats and some holding minority of seats began to use boycotts or threats of boycotts which increased division and suppressed relevant debates by removing them from the congressional agenda;[149] voting to declare sharia law and establishing a special committee to "review all existing laws to guarantee they comply with Islamic law";[150] imposing gender segregation and compulsory hijab at Libyan universities; and refusing to hold new elections when its electoral mandate expired in January 2014[151] until General Khalifa Haftar launched a large-scale military offensive against the Islamists in May 2014, code-named Operation Dignity (Arabic: عملية الكرامة; 'Amaliyat al-Karamah).[152][153]
Political fragmentation of the GNC
[edit]The 2012 elections, overseen by the Libyan electoral commission with the support of the UN Special Mission In Libya (UNSMIL) and nongovernmental organizations like the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), have been considered "fair and free" by most Libyans. However, the elections did not necessarily create a strong government because the Parliament was fragmented due to the lack of organized political parties in Libya post-revolution. The GNC was made up of two major parties, the National Forces Alliance and the Justice and Construction Party, as well as independents in which some were moderates and other conservative Islamists. The GNC became a broad-based congress.[148]
The GNA elected Nouri Abusahmain as president of the GNC in June 2013.[154][155] He was considered an independent Islamist and a compromise candidate acceptable to liberal members of the congress, as he was elected with 96 out of a total of 184 votes by the GNC.[156]
Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room and kidnapping of Ali Zeidan
[edit]The GNC was challenged due to increasing security concerns in Tripoli. The GNC itself was attacked many times by militias and armed protesters who stormed the GNC assembly hall.[157] Following his appointment, Abusahmain was tasked with providing security. He set up the Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room (LROR), which was made up of rebels from Gharyan, and was initially intended to protect and secure Tripoli in August 2013. Its commander was Adel Gharyani. During this time, Abusahmain blocked inquiries into the distribution of state funds and it was alleged that Abusahmain was channeling government funding towards the LROR.[156]
In October, Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan was kidnapped. It is believed to have been carried out by the LROR,[158] although there is evidence to suggest that armed groups such as the Duru3 actually conducted the kidnapping.[159] Following the kidnapping, Abusahmain used his presidency to change the agenda of the GNC in order to prevent them from disestablishing the LROR. At the same time, he cancelled a request to establish a committee to investigate his allocation of 900 million Libyan Dinars (US$720 million) to the LROR and various other armed groups.[149]
The GNC responded by removing Abusahmain as president and dismissing the LROR from its security function.[160] However, the armed group was allowed to continue to operate, and no one was prosecuted for the incident.
Expansion of armed groups during the GNC's term
[edit]Many Libyans blamed the GNC and the interim government for a continued lack of security in the country. The interim government struggled to control well-armed militias and armed groups that established during the revolution. Libyans in Benghazi especially began to witness assassinations and kidnapping and perceived the GNC to be turning a blind eye to the deteriorating security situation in the east.
But security concerns increased across the country, allowing armed groups to expand in Tripoli and the east.
- In 2012, the assassination of the US ambassador to Libya by Ansar al-Sharia took place.[161]
- In October 2013, the kidnapping of Prime Minister Ali Zeidan by the LROR took place.
- The kidnapping of Egyptian diplomats in January 2014 also by the LROR took place.
- In March 2014, armed protesters allegedly linked to the LROR stormed the GNC parliament building, shooting and injuring two lawmakers and wounding several others.[157]
In April 2014, an anti-terrorist training base called "Camp 27", located between Tripoli and the Tunisian border, was taken over by forces fighting under the control of Abd al-Muhsin Al-Libi, also known as Ibrahim Tantoush,[162] a long-serving Al-Qaeda organizer and former member of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group.[163] The Islamist forces at Camp 27 have subsequently been described as part of the Libya Shield Force.[164] The Libya Shield Force was already identified by some observers as linked to al-Qaeda as early as 2012.[165][166]
GNC's political isolation law
[edit]Although Islamists were outnumbered by Liberals and Centrists in the GNC, in May 2013 they lobbied for a law "banning virtually everyone who had participated in Gaddafi's government from holding public office". While several Islamist political parties and independents supported the law, as they generally had no associations to the Gaddafi regime, the law enjoyed strong public support.
The law particularly impacts elite expatriates and leaders of liberal parties. There existed reservations that such a law would eliminate technocratic expertise needed in Libya at the time.
Armed militiamen stormed government ministries, shut down the GNC itself and demanded the law's passage. This intimidated the GNC into passing the law in which 164 members approved the bill, with only four abstaining and no member opposing it.[148]
Suppression of women's rights
[edit]GNC opponents argue that it was supporting Islamist actions against women. Sadiq Ghariani, the Grand Mufti of Libya, is perceived to be linked closely to Islamist parties. He has issued fatwas ordering Muslims to obey the GNC,[167] and fatwas ordering Muslims to fight against Haftar's forces[168]
In March 2013, Sadiq Ghariani, issued a fatwa against the UN Report on Violence Against Women and Girls. He condemned the UN report for "advocating immorality and indecency in addition to rebelliousness against religion and clear objections to the laws contained in the Quran and Sunnah".[169] Soon after the Grand Mufti issued a clarification op-ed that there should be no discrimination between men and women yet women have a greater role in the family.[170]
Later in 2013, lawyer Hamida Al-Hadi Al-Asfar, advocate of women's rights, was abducted, tortured and killed. It is alleged she was targeted for criticising the Grand Mufti's declaration.[171] No arrests were made.
In June 2013, two politicians, Ali Tekbali and Fathi Sager, appeared in court for "insulting Islam" for publishing a cartoon promoting women's rights.[172] Under sharia law they were facing a possible death penalty.[citation needed] The case caused widespread concern although they were eventually acquitted in March 2014. After the GNC was forced to accept new elections, Ali Tekbali was elected to the new House of Representatives.[citation needed]
During Nouri Abusahmain's presidency of the GNC and subsequent to GNC's decision to enforce sharia law in December 2013, gender segregation and compulsory hijab were being imposed in Libyan universities from early 2014, provoking strong criticism from Women's Rights groups.
A Netherlands-based global advocacy organization, Cordaid, reported that violence against Libyan women at the hands of militias frequently goes unpunished. Cordaid also noted that restricted freedom of movement, driven by fear of violence, has led to declines in schooling among women and girls.[173]
GNC extends its mandate without elections
[edit]The GNC failed to stand down at the end of its electoral mandate in January 2014, unilaterally voting on 23 December 2013 to extend its power for at least one year. This caused widespread unease and some protests. Residents of the eastern city of Shahat, along with protesters from Bayda and Sousse, staged a large demonstration, rejecting the GNC's extension plan and demanding the resignation of the congress followed by a peaceful power transition to a legitimate body. They also protested the lack of security, blaming the GNC for failing to build the army and police.[152] Other Libyans rejecting the proposed mandate rallied in Tripoli's Martyrs Square and outside Benghazi's Tibesti Hotel, calling for the freeze of political parties and the re-activation of the country's security system.[174]
On 14 February 2014, General Khalifa Haftar ordered the GNC to dissolve and called for the formation of a caretaker government committee to oversee new elections. However, his actions had little effect on the GNC, which called his actions "an attempted coup" and called Haftar himself "ridiculous" and labelled him an aspiring dictator. The GNC continued to operate as before. No arrests were made. Haftar launched Operation Dignity three months later on 16 May.[175]
House of Representatives versus GNC
[edit]On 25 May 2014, about one week after Khalifa Haftar started his "Operation Dignity" offensive against the General National Congress, that body set 25 June 2014 as the date for new elections.[176] Islamists were defeated, but rejected the results of the election, which saw only an 18% turnout.[177][178] They accused the new House of Representatives parliament of being dominated by supporters of Gaddafi, and they continued to support the old GNC after the Council officially replaced it on 4 August 2014.[125][179]
The conflict escalated on 13 July 2014, when Tripoli's Islamists and Misratan militias launched "Operation Libya Dawn" to seize Tripoli International Airport, capturing it from the Zintan militia on 23 August. Shortly thereafter, members of the GNC, who had rejected the June election, reconvened as a new General National Congress and voted themselves as replacement of the newly elected House of Representatives, with Tripoli as their political capital, Nouri Abusahmain as president and Omar al-Hasi as prime minister. As a consequence, the majority of the House of Representatives were forced to relocate to Tobruk, aligning themselves with Haftar's forces and eventually nominating him army chief.[180] On 6 November, the supreme court in Tripoli, dominated by the new GNC, declared the House of Representatives dissolved.[181][182] The House of Representatives rejected this ruling as made "under threat".[183]
On 16 January 2015, the Operation Dignity and Operation Libya Dawn factions agreed on a ceasefire.[184] The country was then led by two separate governments, with Tripoli and Misrata controlled by forces loyal to Libya Dawn and the new GNC in Tripoli, while the international community recognized Abdullah al-Thani's government and its parliament in Tobruk.[185] Benghazi remained contested between pro-Haftar forces and radical Islamists.[186]
Opposing forces
[edit]Pro-GNC
[edit]The pro-GNC forces were a coalition of different militias with different ideologies although most of them are Islamist influenced especially in eastern Libya in Benghazi and Derna. Since LPA negotiations started in Skhirat there has been a rift within the militias over support for the UN-sponsored talks and the proposed Government of National Accord, which seeks to unite the rival governments.[187]
Since GNA started working from Tripoli in March 2015, Libya Dawn coalition the largest of Pro-GNC militias has been disbanded and most of its forces changed allegiances to GNA.[188]
Libya Dawn
[edit]The Islamist "Libya Dawn" has been described as "an uneasy coalition" identified as "terrorists" by the elected parliament in Tobruk[189] including "former al-Qaeda jihadists" who fought against Gaddafi in the 1990s, members of Libya's branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, and a "network of conservative merchants" from Misrata, whose fighters make up "the largest block of Libya Dawn's forces".[190] The coalition was formed in 2014 as a reaction against General Khalifa Haftar failed coup and to defeat Zintan brigades controlling Tripoli International Airport whose aligned with him.
The Zawia tribe has been allied to Libya Dawn since August 2014,[191] although in June 2014 at least one Zawia army unit had appeared to side with General Haftar, and reports in December claimed Zawia forces were openly considering breaking away from Libya Dawn.[192] Zawia militia have been heavily fighting the Warshefana tribe. In the current conflict, the Warshefana have been strongly identified with the forces fighting against both Libya Dawn and Al Qaeda. Zawia has been involved in a long-standing tribal conflict with the neighbouring Warshefana tribe since 2011.[193] The motivations of the Zawia brigades participation in the war have been described as unrelated to religion and instead deriving foremost from tribal conflict with the Warshafana and secondarily as a result of opposition to the Zintani brigades and General Haftar.[194]
When the head of GNA Fayez Sarraj arrived in Tripoli, Libya Dawn has been disbanded as the interests of the militias forming it conflicted when some of them choose to support GNA others chose to stay loyal to GNC.
Libya Shield
[edit]The Libya Shield Force supports the Islamists. Its forces are divided geographically, into the Western Shield, Central Shield and Eastern Shield. Elements of the Libya Shield Force were identified by some observers as linked to Al-Qaeda as early as 2012.[165][166] The term "Libya Shield 1" is used to refer to the Islamist part of the Libya Shield Force in the east of Libya.[195]
In western Libya, the prominent Islamist forces are the Central Shield (of the Libya Shield Force), which consists especially of Misrata units and the Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room. Two smaller organizations operating in western Libya are Ignewa Al-Kikly and the "Lions of Monotheism".
Al-Qaeda leader Abd al-Muhsin Al-Libi, also known as Ibrahim Ali Abu Bakr or Ibrahim Tantoush[163] has been active in western Libya, capturing the special forces base called Camp 27 in April 2014 and losing it to anti-Islamist forces in August 2014.[162] The Islamist forces around Camp 27 have been described as both Al-Qaida[162] and as part of the Libya Shield Force.[164] The relationship between Al-Qaeda and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is unclear, and their relationship with other Libyan Islamist groups is unclear. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb are also active in Fezzan, especially in border areas.
Libya western and central Libya Shield force fought alongside Libya Dawn and were disbanded with it in 2015. While the eastern Libya Shield forces merged later with other Islamist militias and formed Revolutionary Shura Council to fight Hafter LNA.
Revolutionary Shura Councils
[edit]In Benghazi, the Islamist armed groups have organized themselves into the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries. These include:
The Shura Council of Benghazi has been strongly linked with ISIL as they fought together against Hafter in Battle of Benghazi. However, the Shura Council never pledged allegiance to ISIL.[187]
Meanwhile, in Derna the main Islamist coalition Shura Council of Mujahideen which was formed in 2014 is an al-Qaeda-affiliated group. The coalition has been in fight with ISIL in 2015 and drove them out from the city.[187]
Ajdabiya had its own Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries, which is the most ISIL linked among the three Shura councils. Its leader Muhammad al-Zawi and a number of the council pledging allegiance to ISIL played a major role in strengthening the Islamist group grip on Sirte.[187]
Benghazi Defense Brigades
[edit]Benghazi Defense Brigades was formed in June 2016 to defend Benghazi and the Shura Council from the Libyan National Army, the Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB) included various Libya Dawn militias and was organized under the banner of the former Grand mufti Saddiq Al-Ghariyani.[196][197] Even though it pledged to support the GNA[197] and apparently working under Mahdi Al-Barghathi, the Defence Minister of the GNA.[198] The GNA never recognized the BDB with some members calling for it to be demarcated as a "terrorist organization".[199]
Amazigh militias
[edit]Even though the Amazigh militias mainly situated in Zuwara and Nafusa Mountains fought alongside Libya Dawn, they consider themselves pushed towards that because Zintan brigades and the rest of their enemies has been sided with HoR.[200] Still though, the Amazigh main motivations for fighting against Haftar is his Pan-Arabic ideas which is conflicting with their demands of recognition their language in the constitution as an official language.
While keeping their enmity towards Haftar, the Amazigh militias mostly became neutral later in the war especially since the formation of GNA.
Operation Dignity
[edit]The anti-Islamist Operation Dignity forces are built around Haftar's faction of the Libyan National Army, including land, sea and air forces along with supporting local militias.
LNA
[edit]The Libyan National Army, formally known as "Libyan Arab Armed Forces", was gradually formed by General Khalifa Haftar as he fought in what he named Operation Dignity. On 19 May 2014, a number of Libyan military officers announced their support for Gen. Haftar, including officers in an air force base in Tobruk, and others who have occupied a significant portion of the country's oil infrastructure, as well as members of an important militia group in Benghazi. Haftar then managed to gather allies from Bayda, 125 miles east of Benghazi.[201] A minority portion of the Libya Shield Force had been reported to not have joined the Islamist forces, and it is not clear if this means they had joined the LNA forces.[202]
Since then Haftar continued to strengthen his LNA by recruiting new soldiers along with the advancements he made on the ground. In 2017 Haftar said that his forces are now larger by "hundred times" and now they are about 60 thousand soldiers.[203]
Salafist militias
[edit]Salafists, called Madkhalis by their enemies, fought alongside Haftar LNA since the beginning against the Islamist militias, especially Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries and IS whom they considered Khawarij after a fatwa from Saudi Rabee al-Madkhali.[204]
Zintan brigades
[edit]Since the Battle of Tripoli Airport, armed groups associated with Zintan and the surrounding Nafusa region have become prominent. The Airport Security Battalion is recruited in large part from Zintan. The "Zintan Brigades" fall under the leadership of the Zintan Revolutionaries' Military Council.
Wershefana militias
[edit]Wershefana tribal and mainly Gaddafi loyalists armed groups, from the area immediately south and west of Tripoli, have been active in and among Haftar forces west of Libya.
On 5 August 2014, Warshefana forces captured Camp 27, a training base west of Tripoli.[164] Wershefana armed groups have also been involved in a tribal conflict with the neighbouring Zawia city since 2011.[193] Zawia has allied with Libya Dawn since August 2014,[191] although its commitment to Libya Dawn is reportedly wavering.[192]
After being accused of kidnapping, ransoming and other crimes, a GNA joint force made up mostly from Zintan brigades seized the Wershefana district.[205]
Kaniyat militia
[edit]Since the 2011 Libyan uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, the Kaniyat militiamen dominated and brutalized the civilians in Tarhuna to deepen their control over the strategic city. Formed by the Kani brothers, the militia committed atrocities that became known in 2017. The militia allied with the Government of National Accord (GNA) in 2016, which considered the Kaniyat important for their control over the 7th Brigade, gateway to Tripoli from south Libya. Human rights activists and the residents said the GNA and the UN provided political support to the militia and "chose not to see" the abuses and killings.[206]
In 2019, the Kaniyat militia aligned with the UAE-backed Khalifa Haftar and put their fighters under the general's 9th Brigade. Following that, the killings and disappearances in Tarhuna amplified. Over a decade until 2021, over 1,000 civilians were killed by the Kaniyat militia, where nearly 650 were killed in 14 months under Haftar. In 2020, the GNA forces successfully ousted the militia and the UAE-backed Haftar's forces and captured Tarhuna. Survivors reported of being tortured, electrocuted and beaten by the militia. Around 120 bodies were recovered from the mass graves, of which only 59 were identified.[206]
Ethnic tensions
[edit]In 2014, a former Gaddafi officer reported to the New York Times that the civil war was now an "ethnic struggle" between Arab tribes (like the Zintanis) against those of Turkish ancestry (like the Misuratis), as well as against Berbers and Circassians.[207]
Effects
[edit]As of February 2015, damage and disorder from the war has been considerable.[208] There are frequent electric outages, little business activity, and a loss in revenues from oil by 90%.[208] Over 5,700 people died from the fighting by the end of 2016,[119] and some sources claim nearly a third of the country's population has fled to Tunisia as refugees.[208]
Since Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar had captured the ports of Libya's state-run oil company, the National Oil Corporation, in Es Sider and Ra's Lanuf, oil production has risen from 220,000 barrels a day to about 600,000 barrels per day.[209]
The war has prompted a considerable number of the country's sizeable foreign labour force to leave the country as extremist groups such as ISIL have targeted them; prior to the 2011, the Egyptian Ministry of Labour estimated that there were two million Egyptians working in the country yet since the escalation of attacks on Egyptian labourers the Egyptian Foreign Ministry estimates more than 800,000 Egyptians have left the country to return to Egypt.[210] Land mines remain a persistent threat in the country as numerous militias, especially ISIL, have made heavy use of land mines and other hidden explosives; the rapidly changing front lines has meant many of these devices remain in areas out of active combat zones; civilians remain the primary casualties inflicted by land mines with mines alone killing 145 people and wounding another 1,465 according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).[211][212]
In a report, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) revealed that it had registered over 45,600 refugees and asylum seekers in Libya during 2019.[213] The World Food Programme reported that an estimated 435,000 people had been forcibly displaced from their homes during the conflict.[214]
On 22 October 2019, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that children have been suffering from different sorts of malnutrition in the war-torn nations, including Libya.[215]
Executive Director of UNICEF said on 18 January 2020, that thousands of Libyan children were at risk of being killed due to the ongoing conflict in Libya. Since hostile clashes between the Libyan government and Haftar's LNA forces (backed by the UAE and Egypt) have broken out in Tripoli and western Libya, conditions of children and civilians have worsened.[216]
The blockade on Libya's major oil fields and production units by Haftar's forces has sown losses of over $255 million within the six-day period ending 23 January, according to the National Oil Corporation in Libya.[217] The NOC and ENI, which runs Mellitah Oil & Gas in Libya, have suffered a production loss of 155,000 oil barrels per day due to the blockade on production facilities imposed by Haftar's LNA. The entities claim losing revenue of around $9.4mn per day.[218]
Since the beginning of Libyan conflict, thousands of refugees forced to live in detention centres are suffering from mental health problems, especially women and children, who are struggling to confront the deaths of their family members in the war.[219]
On 7 February 2020, the UNHCR reported that the overall number of migrants intercepted by the Libyan coast guard in January surged 121% against the same period in 2019. The ongoing war has turned the country into a huge haven for migrants fleeing violence and poverty in Africa and the Middle East.[220]
On 6 April, an armed group invaded a control station in Shwerif, the Great Man-Made River project, stopped water from being pumped to Tripoli, and threatened the workers. The armed group's move was a way to pressure and force the release of the detained family members. On 10 April 2020, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Libya, Yacoub El Hillo condemned the water supply cutoff as "particularly reprehensible".[221]
On 21 April 2020, the UN took in to consideration the "dramatic increase" of shelling on densely populated areas of Tripoli, and claimed that continuation of war is worsening the humanitarian situation of Libya. The organisation also warned that such activities could possibly lead to war crimes.[222]
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in its first quarter report for 2020 on the civilian casualty in Libya cited that approximately 131 casualties have taken place between 1 January and 31 March 2020. The figures included 64 deaths and 67 injuries, all of which were a result of the ground fighting, bombing and targeted killing led by Khalifa Haftar's army, the LNA, backed by the United Arab Emirates.[223][224]
On 5 May 2020, The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, raised concerns over the continuous spree of attacks by Haftar on Tripoli. The prosecutor said that actions endanger lives and warned of possible war crimes due to current affairs. "Of particular concern to my Office are the high numbers of civilian casualties, largely reported to be resulting from airstrikes and shelling operations," she expressed in a statement.[225]
On 10 November 2020, prominent Libyan activist, Hanane al-Barassi, was killed in Benghazi. The 46-year-old Barassi was an outspoken critic of humanitarian abuses committed in the eastern areas controlled by UAE-backed Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA). She was known for giving voice to female victims of violence through the videos she posted on social media.[226]
Timeline
[edit]Peace process
[edit]During the first half of 2015, the United Nations facilitated a series of negotiations seeking to bring together the rival governments and warring militias of Libya.[227] A meeting between the rival governments was held at Auberge de Castille in Valletta, Malta on 16 December 2015. On 17 December, delegates from the two governments signed a peace deal backed by the UN in Skhirat, Morocco, although there was opposition to this within both factions.[1][2] The Government of National Accord was formed as a result of this agreement, and its first meeting took place in Tunis on 2 January 2016.[228] On 17 December 2017, general Khalifa Haftar declared the Skhirat agreement void.[229]
A meeting called the Libyan National Conference was planned in Ghadames for organising elections and a peace process in Libya.[230] The conference was prepared over 18 months during 2018 and 2019 and was planned to take place 14–16 April 2019.[231] It was postponed in early April 2019 as a result of the military actions of the 2019 Western Libya offensive.[232]
In July 2019, Ghassan Salamé, the head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), proposed a three-point peace plan (a truce during Eid al-Adha, an international meeting of countries implicated in the conflict, and an internal Libyan conference similar to the Libyan National Conference).[233]
In September 2019, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) discussed the need for the PSC to play a greater role in concluding the Libyan crisis, putting forward a proposal to appoint a joint AU-UN envoy to Libya.[234]
Turkish President RT Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin made a joint call for ceasefire, starting 12 January 2020, to end the proxy war in Libya.[235] The ceasefire is said to have been broken hours after its initiation. Both the warring parties – GNA supported by Turkey and LNA backed by Saudi, UAE, Egypt and Jordan – blamed each other for the violence that broke out in Tripoli.[236] Turkey's Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by foreign powers including the UAE, does not want peace and is seeking a military solution to the drawn-out war in the country.[237]
Haftar's forces launched attacks on Abu Gurain province, near the port city of Misurata, Libya's UN-recognized government claimed. The attacks were seen as a violation of cease-fire accord signed at the Berlin Conference.[238] On 12 February, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution demanding a "lasting cease-fire" in Libya. Drafted by Britain, it received 14 votes, while Russia abstained.[239] Around 19 February, the government withdrew from peace talks following rocket attacks on Tripoli.[240]
At the urging of the UN, both sides agreed to a new ceasefire in late March due to the novel coronavirus; however, the ceasefire quickly fell apart. On 24 March shells hit a prison in an area held by the GNA, drawing UN condemnation. The GNA launched a series of "counter-attacks" early on 25 March, in response to what the GNA called "the heaviest bombardments Tripoli has seen".[241] In June 2020, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi brokered an agreement with parties aligned to the Libyan National Army, calling it the Cairo Declaration – However, this was quickly rejected.[242]
On 21 August 2020, Libya's rival authorities announced an immediate ceasefire. The Tripoli-based and internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) published a statement that also calls for elections in March 2021.[243][244]
The United Nations Security Council received a confidential report in September 2020, which provided details of the extensive violations of the international arms embargo on Libya, since the beginning of 2020. The UN identified eight countries breaching embargo. Besides, the United Arab Emirates and Russia were found to have sent five cargo aircraft filled with weapons to Libya on 19 January 2020, when the world leaders were signing a pledge to respect the arms embargo on Libya, at the Berlin conference. Four out of the five cargo airplanes belonged to the UAE.[245]
On 16 September 2020, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu told CNN Turk that Turkey and Russia have moved closer to an agreement on a ceasefire and political process in Libya during their latest meetings in Ankara. According to Reuters, Turkey and Russia were the main power brokers in the Libyan war, backing opposing sides. Russia supported the eastern-based forces of Khalifa Haftar, while Turkey backed Libya's internationally recognised Government of National Accord.[246]
In September 2020, the European Union issued sanctions against two people, who were indirectly or directly engaged in serious human rights abuses. While Benghazi-based Mahmoud al-Werfalli was engaged in violations like killings and executions, Moussa Diab was involved in human trafficking and the kidnapping, raping and killing of migrants and refugees. Three companies, Turkish maritime firm Avrasya Shipping, Jordan-based Med Wave Shipping and a Kazakhstan-based air freight company, Sigma Airlines, were also sanctioned for breaching the UN arms embargo by transferring military material to Libya.[247] Among these, Sigma Airlines was also found involved in the air-borne hard cash shipments for the Khalifa Haftar's government from the United Arab Emirates, Russia and the United Kingdom, among others. Sigma Airlines was also involved in a bank-note delivery made on 29 January 2019 for the LNA, using a commercial network operating through the UAE, Ukraine, Jordan and Belarus. In approximately $227 million bank note transfers, $91 million came from the UK, $27 million from Russia and $5 million from the UAE, which recorded highest number of transfers among 14 countries that were involved.[248][249]
On 23 October 2020, the 5+5 Joint Libyan Military Commission representing the LNA and the GNA reached a "permanent ceasefire agreement in all areas of Libya". The agreement, effective immediately, required that all foreign fighters leave Libya within three months while a joint police force would patrol disputed areas. The first commercial flight between Tripoli and Benghazi took place that same day.[143][144] The war concluded on 24 October 2020.[250]
UN-sponsored peace talks failed to establish an interim government by 16 November 2020, although both sides pledged to try again in a week.[251]
Talks by the Advisory Committee of the Libya Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) in Geneva during 13–16 January 2021 produced a proposal for a procedure for selecting a unified executive authority. On 18 January, 72 of the LPDF members participated in a vote on the proposal. The proposal passed, attaining more than the 63% decision threshold, with 51 voters in favour, 19 against, 2 abstentions and 2 absences. The validated electoral procedure involves electoral colleges, support from the West, East and South of Libya, a 60% initial threshold, and a 50% plus one second-round threshold, for positions in the Presidency Council and for the prime ministership.[252][253]
On 19 February 2021, a confidential report by the United Nations revealed that the former CEO of Blackwater, Erik Prince breached the Libyan arms embargo by supporting and supplying weapons to Khalifa Haftar under an operation that cost $80 million. In 2019, Prince deployed foreign mercenaries to eastern Libya, who were armed with gunboats, attack aircraft, and cyberwarfare capabilities. While the report didn't conclude who funded the mercenary operation, analysts and Western officials asserted that it was most likely the UAE. The report noted that the mercenaries had offices, shell companies, and bank accounts in the Gulf nation.[254]
The FBI also opened an investigation into the failed mercenary plot of 2019. The agency was also looking into determining the role of Erik Prince in the attempted sale of aircraft and other materiel from Jordan to the UAE-backed Khalifa Haftar. Previous reports have highlighted that a Jordanian royal Feisal Ibn al-Hussein worked with Prince to organize the weapons transfer to Libya. However, the Jordanian government had aborted the sale.[255] Following which, Prince organized a meeting between his business associate Christiaan Durrant and a member of Donald Trump's National Security Council. During the meeting, Durrant explained Prince's Libyan campaign plan backing Haftar to the NSC official and asked for the US' support.[256] A UN report also revealed that three aircraft controlled or owned by Prince were transferred to a mercenary firm connected to him and located in the United Arab Emirates. However, Prince was not charged with a crime.[255]
Reactions
[edit]Domestic reactions
[edit]Khalifa Haftar and his supporters describe Operation Dignity as a "correction to the path of the revolution" and a "war on terrorism".[257][258][259] The elected parliament has declared that Haftar's enemies are "terrorists".[189] Opponents of Haftar and the House of Representatives' government in Tripoli claim he is attempting a coup. Omar al-Hasi, the internationally unrecognized Prime Minister of the Libya Dawn-backed Tripoli government, speaking of his allies' actions, has stated that: "This is a correction of the revolution." He has also contended: "Our revolution had fallen into a trap."[260] Dawn commanders claim to be fighting for a "revolutionary" cause rather than for religious or partisan objectives.[261] Islamist militia group Ansar al-Sharia (linked to the 2012 Benghazi attack) has denounced Haftar's campaign as a Western-backed "war on Islam"[262] and has declared the establishment of the "Islamic Emirate of Benghazi".
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) denounced calls to blockade oil fields prior to the Berlin Conference on 19 January 2020, calling it a criminal act. The entity warned to prosecute offenders to the highest degree under Libyan and international law.[263]
Dignitaries from Tripoli, Sahel and Mountain regions in Libya expressed discomposure at the UN envoy's briefing to Libya, Ghassan Salame at the Security Council, for equalizing the aggressors (Haftar's forces backed by UAE and Egypt) and the defender (GNA forces). They said Salame's statements made both the parties equal amid Haftar's offensive in Tripoli and the war crimes committed against civilians, including children.[264]
Foreign reactions, involvement, and evacuations
[edit]Neighboring countries
[edit]- Algeria – Early in May 2014, the Algerian military said it was engaged in an operation aimed at tracking down militants who infiltrated the country's territory in Tamanrasset near the Libyan border, during which it announced that it managed to kill 10 "terrorists" and seized a large cache of weapons near the town of Janet consisting of automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition boxes.[265] The Times reported on 30 May that Algerian forces were strongly present in Libya and it was claimed shortly after by an Algerian journalist from El Watan that a full regiment of 3,500 paratroopers logistically supported by 1,500 other men crossed into Libya and occupied a zone in the west of the country. They were later shown to be operating alongside French special forces in the region. However, all of these claims were later denied by the Algerian government through Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal who told the senate that "Algeria has always shown its willingness to assist [our] sister countries, but things are clear: the Algerian army will not undertake any operation outside Algerian territory".[266] On 16 May 2014, the Algerian government responded to a threat on its embassy in Libya by sending a team of special forces to Tripoli to escort its diplomatic staff in a military plane out of the country. "Due to a real and imminent threat targeting our diplomats the decision was taken in coordination with Libyan authorities to urgently close our embassy and consulate general temporarily in Tripoli," the Algerian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.[267] Three days later, the Algerian government shut down all of its border crossings with Libya and the army command raised its security alert status by tightening its presence along the border, especially on the Tinalkoum and Debdab border crossings. This also came as the state-owned energy firm, Sonatrach, evacuated all of its workers from Libya and halted production in the country.[268] In mid-August, Algeria opened its border for Egyptian refugees stranded in Libya and said it would grant them exceptional visas to facilitate their return to Egypt.[269]
- Chad – In June 2020, Chadian President Idriss Déby announced his support to Khalifa Haftar's force in Libya, and had sent 1,500 to 2,000 troops to help Haftar, in wake of call from the United Arab Emirates to support Haftar's force against the strengthening Tripoli government and to end incursions by anti-Déby rebels.[270] Chadian oppositions have accused Khalifa Haftar of his attempt to assassinate Chadian opposition leaders.[271]
- Egypt – Egyptian authorities have long expressed concern over the instability in eastern Libya spilling over into Egypt due to the rise of jihadist movements in the region, which the government believes to have developed into a safe transit for wanted Islamists following the 2013 coup d'état in Egypt that ousted Muslim Brotherhood-backed president Mohamed Morsi. There have been numerous attacks on Egypt's trade interests in Libya which were rampant prior to Haftar's offensive, especially with the kidnapping of truck drivers and sometimes workers were murdered.[272] Due to this, the military-backed government in Egypt had many reasons to support Haftar's rebellion and the Islamist February 17th Martyrs Brigade operating in Libya has accused the Egyptian government of supplying Haftar with weapons and ammunition, a claim denied by both Cairo and the rebel leader.[273] Furthermore, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who has become increasingly popular among many Libyans wishing for stability,[274] has called on the United States to intervene militarily in Libya during his presidential candidacy, warning that Libya was becoming a major security challenge and vowed not to allow the turmoil there to threaten Egypt's national security.[275] On 21 July 2014, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry urged its nationals residing in Libya to adopt measures of extreme caution as it was preparing to send consular staff in order to facilitate their return their country following an attack in Egypt's western desert region near the border with Libya that left 22 Egyptian border guards killed.[276] A week later, the ministry announced that it would double its diplomatic officials on the Libyan-Tunisian border and reiterated its call on Egyptian nationals to find shelter in safer places in Libya.[277] On 3 August, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia agreed to cooperate by establishing an airbridge between Cairo and Tunis that would facilitate the transfer of 2,000 to 2,500 Egyptians from Libya daily.[278] On 31 July 2014, two Egyptians were shot dead during a clash at the Libyan-Tunisian border where hundreds of Egyptians were staging a protest at the Ras Jdeir border crossing. As they tried to cross into Tunisia, Libyan authorities opened fire to disperse them.[279] A similar incident occurred once again on 15 August, when Libyan security forces shot dead an Egyptian who attempted to force his way through the border along with hundreds of stranded Egyptians and almost 1,200 Egyptians made it into Tunisia that day.[269] This came a few days after Egypt's Minister of Civil Aviation, Hossam Kamal, announced that the emergency airlift consisting of 46 flights aimed at evacuating the country's nationals from Libya came to a conclusion, adding that 11,500 Egyptians in total had returned from the war-torn country as of 9 August.[280] A week later, all Egyptians on the Libyan-Tunisian border were evacuated and the consulate's staff, who were reassigned to work at the border area, withdrew from Libya following the operation's success.[281] Meanwhile, an estimated 50,000 Egyptians (4,000 per day) arrived at the Salloum border crossing on the Libyan-Egyptian border as of early August.[282] In 2020, Egypt helped devise the 2020 Cairo Declaration, however, this was quickly rejected. On 21 June 2020, the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ordered his army to be prepared for any mission outside the nation, stating that his country has a legitimate right to intervene in neighboring Libya. Besides, he also warned the GNA forces to not cross the current frontline with Haftar's LNA.[283][284] An official statement issued by Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates on 21 June 2020, stated that the two Gulf nations extended full support to the Egypt's government regarding its intentions of military intervention in Libya. The UN-recognized GNA condemned Egypt, UAE, Russia and France for providing military support to Haftar's militias.[285]
- Malta – Along with most of the international community, Malta continues to recognize the Government of National Accord as the legitimate government of Libya.[286] I Eastern Libyan government chargé d'affaires Hussin Musrati insisted that by doing so, Malta was "interfering in Libyan affairs".[287] Due to the conflict, there are currently two Libyan embassies in Malta. The General National Congress now controls the official Libyan Embassy in Balzan, while the Tobruk-based Eastern Libyan House of Representatives has opened a consulate in Ta' Xbiex. Each of the two embassies say that visas issued by the other entity are not valid.[288] Following the expansion of ISIL in Libya, particularly the fall of Nawfaliya, the Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil called for the United Nations and European Union to intervene in Libya to prevent the country from becoming a failed state.[289][290] In 2020 Malta stated that its policy on Libya was in line with that of Turkey.[76]
- Sudan – At the early stage of the conflict, Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir, an Islamist himself, had sought to reach support to the Tripoli government, having supplied weaponry and aids to the rebels overthrowing Muammar Gaddafi.[291] However, after al-Bashir's realignment with Saudi Arabia in wake of Yemeni conflict, Sudan provided support to Haftar's force to gain support from Saudi Arabia. Sudan had sent 1,000 militia personnel to aid Haftar.[292] Nonetheless, in July 2017, General Khalifa Haftar of the Libyan National Army ordered the closing of the Sudanese consulate in the town of Kufra, and expelled 12 diplomats. The consul and 11 other consular staff were given 72 hours to leave the country. The reason given that the way it conducted its work was "damaging to Libyan national security." The Sudanese government protested and summoned Libyan chargé d'affaires in Khartoum, Ali Muftah Mahroug, in response, lingering the distrust between Haftar to the Sudanese. Sudan recognises the Government of National Accord in Tripoli as the government of Libya, not the House of Representatives that is backed by General Haftar. As of 2017 Sudan has not opened an embassy in Tripoli but maintains a consulate in the Libyan capital to provide service to Sudanese citizens.[293] In 2020, following the overthrown of Omar al-Bashir, Sudan has sought to investigate the role of the United Arab Emirates on bringing Sudanese mercenaries fighting in Libya and have arrested a number of them.[294][295]
- Tunisia – Post-revolutionary Tunisia also had its share of instability due to the violence in Libya as it witnessed an unprecedented rise in radical Islamism with increased militant activity and weapons' smuggling through the border.[296] In response to the initial clashes in May, the Tunisian National Council for Security held an emergency meeting and decided to deploy 5,000 soldiers to the Libyan–Tunisian border in anticipation of potential consequences from the fighting.[297] On 30 July 2014, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mongi Hamdi said that the country cannot cope with the high number of refugees coming from Libya due to the renewed fighting. "Our country's economic situation is precarious, and we cannot cope with hundreds of thousands of refugees," Hamdi said in a statement. He also added that Tunisia will close its borders if necessary.[298] Tunisian Foreign Minister, Khemaies Jhinaoui, revived Tunisia's stance to stop the fighting in Libya and follow the UN-led political suit. He stressed on rejection of military solutions to the war.[299] In January 2020, Tunisia said that it is preparing to accommodate a new inflow of migrants escaping the war in Libya. The country has chosen the site of Fatnassia to receive Libyan refugees.[300]
Others
[edit]- United Nations – On 27 August 2014, the UN Security Council unanimously approved resolution 2174 (2014), which called for an immediate ceasefire and an inclusive political dialogue.[301] The resolution also threatened to impose sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel bans, against the leaders and supporters of the various militias involved in the fighting, if the individuals threaten either the security of Libya or the political process.[302] The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed his fears of a "full civil war" in Libya, unless the international community finds a political solution for the country's conflict.[303] In 2019, the United Nations reported that Jordan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates had systematically violated the Libyan arms embargo.[304] In February 2020, Libya's Ambassador to the UN, Taher Al-Sunni, emphasized on documenting attacks against civilians, medical personnel and field hospitals in Libya, during his meeting with the Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross.[305] Around 2 March 2020, Ghassan Salamé (the UN special envoy to Libya) resigned, citing the failure of powerful nations to meet their recent commitments.[306] In June 2020, UN secretary general, António Guterres condemned and expressed shock at discovering mass graves in a Libyan territory that was formerly captured by the forces of general Khalifa Haftar, backed by the governments of Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates. Guterres commanded the UN-backed government to ensure identifying the victims, investigate into the cause of death and return the bodies to the respective family.[307] On 25 September 2020, UN diplomats revealed that Russia and China blocked the official release of a report by UN experts on Libya. The report accused the warring parties and their international backers, including Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, of violating the 2011 UN arms embargo on the war-torn country.[308] The UN identified the Sigma Airlines also known as Sigma Aviation and Air Sigma, a commercial cargo air company from Kazakhstan, as one of the commercial air cargo providers that have violated the arms embargo in Libya.[309] In March 2021, in a new report, UN accused United Arab Emirates, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Qatar of extensive and blatant violations. The report included photos, diagrams and maps in order to support the accusations.[310][311] The UN report stated that Erik Prince attempted to deploy a Light Attack and Surveillance Aircraft (LASA) to Libya, disguised as a crop duster. The aircraft, LASA T-Bird, was owned by a UAE-based firm, L-6 FZE. Besides, it was modified with some deadly additions- “a 16-57mm Rocket Pod, a 32-57mm Rocket Pod and a gun pod fitted with twin 23mm cannon under its wings”.[312][313]
- France – On 30 July 2014, the French government temporarily closed its embassy in Tripoli, while 40 French, including the ambassador, and 7 British nationals were evacuated on a French warship bound for the port of Toulon in southern France. "We have taken all necessary measures to allow those French nationals who so wish to leave the country temporarily," the foreign ministry said.[314][315] In 2016, a helicopter carrying three French special forces soldiers was shot down south of Benghazi during what President François Hollande called "dangerous intelligence operations."[316][317] In December 2019, French government canceled the delivery of boats to Libya following a lawsuit filed by NGOs opposing the move. The NGOs cited the French donation as a violation of European embargo on Libya for providing military equipment and arms to countries involved in war crimes.[318]
- India – Ministry of External Affairs spokesman, Syed Akbaruddin, said that India's diplomatic mission in Libya has been in touch with the 4,500 Indian nationals, through several coordinators. "The mission is facilitating return of Indian nationals and working with the Libyan authorities to obtain necessary exit permissions for Indian nationals wanting to return," he said.[319]
- Iran – Iran has facilitated a very difficult role in this conflict. Unlike many countries in the Middle East that Iran has interests, Iran has very little to none of interest in Libya, but Iran has desired to expand its Islamic Revolution to Africa.[320] However, Saudi Arabia's support for Haftar has complicated Iran's desire, as Iran has also been accused of supporting Haftar's force, even when Tehran has refrained from siding with Haftar.[321] On the other hand, Iran also provides political support to Turkey's military intervention to Libya.[322]
- Israel – Israel and Libya do not have any official relations. However, during the time in exile, Khalifa Haftar had developed a close and secret tie with the United States, thus extended to Israel, and the secret tie resulted in Israel quietly backing Khalifa Haftar on his quest to conquer all of Libya.[323] Israeli advisors are alleged to have trained Haftar's force to prepare for war against the Islamist-backed government in Tripoli.[324] Israeli weapons are also seen in Haftar's forces, mostly throughout Emirati mediation.[325] The Mossad developed a strong relationship with Haftar and also assists his forces in the conflict.[326]
- Italy – The Italian embassy has remained open during the civil war[327] and the government has always pushed for the success of UN-hosted talks among Libya's political parties in Geneva. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said "If there's no success, Italy is ready to play a leading role, above all a diplomatic role, and then, always under the aegis of the UN, one of peacekeeping inside Libya", adding that "Libya can't be left in the condition it is now."[328] In 2015, four Italian workers were kidnapped by Islamic State militants near Sabratha. Two of them were killed in a raid by security forces the following year while the other two were rescued.[329] Between February 2015 and December 2016, however, Italy was forced to close its embassy and every Italian citizen in Libya was advised to leave. The embassy reopened on 9 January 2017.
- Morocco – Morocco turned down an offer by the United Arab Emirates in 2020 to provide support for Khalifa Haftar.[330] Instead, Morocco expressed its hope to mediate for the end of the conflict.[331]
- Russia – In February 2015, discussions on supporting the Libyan parliament by supplying them with weapons reportedly took place in Cairo when President of Russia Vladimir Putin arrived for talks with the government of Egypt, during which the Russian delegates also spoke with a Libyan delegation. Colonel Ahmed al-Mismari, the spokesperson for the Libyan Army's chief of staff, also stated that "Arming the Libyan army was a point of discussion between the Egyptian and Russian presidents in Cairo."[332] The deputy foreign minister of Russia, Mikhail Bogdanov, has stated that Russia will supply the government of Libya with weapons if UN sanctions against Libya are lifted.[333] In April 2015, Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thani visited Moscow and announced that Russia and Libya will strengthen their relations, especially economic relations.[334] He also met with Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and said that he requested Russia's assistance in fixing the country's government institutions and military strength.[335] The prime minister also met with Nikolai Patrushev, the Russian president's security adviser, and talked about the need to restore stability in Libya as well as the influence of terrorist groups in the country. Patrushev stated that a "priority for regional politics is the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya."[336] As of 2 October 2019, between 10 and 35 Russian mercenaries had reportedly been killed in an airstrike in Libya while fighting for Khalifa Haftar's forces as per Latvian newslet Meduza.[337] In a joint press conference with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed the involvement of Russian mercenaries in Tripoli's ongoing conflict. He also said they are not affiliated to Moscow and are not funded by the government. These fighters were transferred to Libya from the de-escalation zone in Syria's Idlib.[338]
- Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia since 2014 has thrown a significant support for Haftar's force fighting in Libya. According from Wall Street Journal and retrieved by Al Jazeera, Saudi Arabia had given millions of dollars to support Haftar's army in its failed attempt to takeover Tripoli after a meeting with General Haftar by Saudi King Salman.[339][340] Due to Haftar's defeat, Saudi Arabia was thought to have become increasingly involved in Libya.[341]
- Syria – The involvement of Syria in the Libya war has remained less exposed, while the links began in 2018. The Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad has been backing Khalifa Haftar, where mercenaries from Damascus were transported to Benghazi. In April 2021, Cham Wings, a private airline owned by Assad's cousin Rami Makhlouf and sanctioned by the US and the European parliament, made nine round trips to Libya. The flights reportedly transport Syrian mercenaries to fight alongside Haftar forces. Specialists have said that these mercenaries fighting for the general (currently 2,000) were operated by Russia and were funded by the United Arab Emirates.[342]
- Thailand – In late July 2014, the Thai government asked Libya's authorities to facilitate the evacuation of its nationals by exempting the need for exit visas.[343] As of 14 August, over 800 Thai workers have been successfully evacuated from the country,[344] while Thailand's Ministry of Labour announced that it would prepare jobs for more than 2,800 workers residing in Libya.[345]
- Turkey – Turkey has been one of the most active critics of the Eastern Government led by Khalifa Haftar. Turkey has transported arms, ammunitions and aids to the Western Government led by Fayez al-Sarraj against Haftar's force.[346][347] In 2019, the Libyan National Army accused the Turkish authorities of supporting terrorist groups in Libya for many years, adding that the Turkish support has evolved from just logistic support to a direct interference using military aircraft to transport mercenaries, as well as ships carrying weapons, armored vehicles and ammunition to support terrorism in Libya.[348] In 2016, Jordan's king accused Turkey of helping Islamist militias in Libya and Somalia.[349] In July 2019, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey, threatened to declare war on Khalifa Haftar after receiving news of six Turkish citizens arrested by Haftar's force.[350] On 27 December 2019 Bloomberg reported that Turkey intended to deploy its navy to protect Tripoli and send troops to help train GNA forces. Additionally Turkmen rebel groups fighting in northern Syria were expected to transfer to Tripoli.[351] The Speaker of the Turkish Parliament subsequently announced Turkey's plans to send troops to help Libya's Presidential Council's government, especially after the efforts of Haftar's backers, including UAE, to pressurize Fayez Al-Sarraj to recede the request for Turkey's support.[352] On 2 January 2020, the Turkish Grand National Assembly voted 325–184 to send troops to help the internationally recognized Government of National Accord in Libya.[353] In February 2020, the captain of the Lebanese-flagged cargo ship Bana was arrested in Italy. The vessel was accused of transferring arms and Turkish military personnel from Turkey to Libya in violation of the United Nations arms embargo. A crew member offered information to the Italian authorities.[354] The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle also spotted the ship.[355] In addition, a BBC report confirmed that Turkey was sending secret arms shipments into Libya with the Bana, with the escort of Turkish navy frigates.[356] On 21 September 2020, Council of the European Union imposed sanctions on the Turkish maritime company Avrasya Shipping which operates the Çirkin freighter, because the vessel found to have violated the UN arms embargo in Libya in May and June 2020.[309]
- United Kingdom – Following France's evacuation of some British nationals, the UK's embassy in Tripoli was the only diplomatic mission still open in the war-torn city. However, British diplomats residing there have sought refuge in a fortified compound south-west of the city to avoid the repetitive rocket attacks by warring militias.[357] Three days earlier, a convoy carrying British diplomats from Tripoli to Tunisia came under fire when their vehicles refused to stop at an unofficial checkpoint in the outskirts of the city.[358] On 2 August, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office finally announced that it would temporarily close its embassy in the capital and evacuate its staff. Ambassador Michael Aron said that the embassy would continue to operate from Tunisia.[359] The following day, the Royal Navy ship HMS Enterprise managed to evacuate more than a hundred foreign nationals from the country to Malta, most of whom were British, in an operation off the coast of Tripoli.[360] In March 2016, Ambassador Peter Millett called for "a much more coordinated approach between the different groups, regions and forces and the armed groups in Libya" in order to defeat ISIL in Libya.[361] Head of British Embassy in Libya, Nicholas Hopton said that Britain is drafting a resolution in the Security Council in order to genuinely end the Libyan crisis. The draft resolution urges the U.N. and the international community to effectively achieve a ceasefire with the help of a monitoring mission and other sources, the HCS Information Office said.[362]
- United Arab Emirates – In June 2019 the GNA discovered a cache of US-made Javelin anti-tank missiles in a captured LNA base in the mountains south of Tripoli. Markings on the missiles' shipping containers indicate that they were originally sold to Oman and the United Arab Emirates in 2008. Emirati forces, who previously conducted airstrikes on Islamist targets in Libya, were suspected of backing General Khalifa Haftar. The United States State Department and Defense Department stated they have opened investigations into how the weapons ended up on the Libyan battlefield.[363][364] The Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement denying ownership of weapons found in Libya and stated that it supported United Nations-led efforts to broker a political solution to the conflict.[365] France later released a statement that the missiles found in the base belonged to France, and that they were damaged and out of use.[366] Nevertheless, the UAE has been identified as a strong supporter of Khalifa Haftar and the LNA, which saw the Libyan general and his forces as the best bulwark to contain and combat various Islamist groups in the war torn country; the UN reported that the UAE supplied Haftar's forces with aircraft, over 100 armoured vehicles and over US$200 million in aid.[367] According to The Libya Observer, a covert deal between Khalifa Haftar and figures from the Muammar Gaddafi-era, Revolutionary Committees, was signed in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Both the parties agreed to share power in Libya, enabling Gaddafi's loyalists to retrieve power in return for supporting Haftar in the ongoing fighting.[368] According to a French Intelligence website, UAE supplied around 3,000 tons of military equipment to Haftar forces in late January 2020. The transit operation was completed through "Antonov 124" aircraft owned by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed and operated by Makassimos Air Cargo Company.[369] In April 2020, it was reported that the United Arab Emirates secretly purchased an advanced missile system from Israel. The UAE, which had been supplying weapons to Khalifa Haftar in the Libyan civil war, also deployed the Israeli-made missile system in the war through the LNA.[370] On 20 April 2020, the Financial Times reported the suspected violation of an international arms embargo by the United Arab Emirates. It reported the claims after reviewing documents that cited 11,000 tonnes of jet fuel shipment worth nearly $5 million was sent by the UAE to Khalifa Haftar-controlled eastern Libya in March 2020. The shipment is currently under probe by a panel of experts from the United Nations.[371] According to Human Rights Watch, on 18 November 2019, the UAE launched a drone attack on a biscuit factory in Al-Sunbulah that killed 8 civilians and injured 27. The factory was shut down after the attack. According to an investigation led by Human Rights Watch, the factory had no military presence. The remnants of four laser-guided missiles – Blue Arrow-7 (BA-7) – were found, which were launched via a Wing Loong II drone.[372] In May 2020, a confidential report by the United Nations revealed that the UAE had been supporting the mission of Khalifa Haftar through two Dubai-based companies, Lancaster 6 DMCC and Opus Capital Asset Limited FZE. These firms deployed a team of 20 Western mercenaries led by South African national Steve Lodge to Libya for a "well funded private military company operation" in June 2019.[373] An investigation by BBC Africa Eye and BBC Arabic Documentaries revealed that in a strike on 4 January 2020, the UAE-operated Wing Loong II drone was used to fire a Chinese Blue Arrow 7 missile, which killed 26 unarmed cadets. During that time, the Wing Loong II drones were being operated only from the UAE-run Al-Khadim Libyan air base.[374][375] In December 2020, the US Pentagon said that the UAE funded the Russian mercenaries to fight against the US-backed government in Libya. The reported presented by the Pentagon's inspector general also revealed that the Emirates was majorly a financial backer of Russia's Wagner Group, who deployed its mercenaries in Libya.[376][377] In June 2019, the Dubai-based firm owned by the Australian pilot Christiaan Durrant, Lancaster 6 supplied three Super Pumas to Haftar's LNA. However, the helicopters were considered insufficiently operational and remained in their hangars until May 2021. The Super Pumas were seen at Haftar's military parade in 2021 and were expected to be integrated into his air force.[378]
- United States – The United States has been active in post-2011 Libya with the military carrying out sporadic airstrikes and raids in the country, predominantly against Islamist groups. In 2014, U.S. commandos seized an oil tanker bound for anti-government militias and returned it to the Libyan national government.[379] Two months later, the U.S. embassy in Tripoli was evacuated due to a heavy militia presence in the capital.[380] In 2015, U.S. warplanes killed the head of the Islamic State in Libya in a strike.[381] In 2016, U.S. President Barack Obama stated that not preparing for a post-Gaddafi Libya was the "worst mistake" of his presidency.[382] On 19 January 2017, the day before President Obama left office, the United States bombed two IS camps in Libya, reportedly killing 80 militants.[383] These types of operations have continued under the Trump administration with a September 2017 airstrike killing an estimated 17 IS militants.[384] On 25 September 2019, airstrike carried out by the U.S. killed 11 suspected ISIL militants in the town of Murzuq, Libya. This was the second airstrike in a week against the militant group, according to U.S. Africa Command.[385] A U.S. military air-raid, on 27 September, killed 17 suspected ISIL militants in southwest Libya, making it a third strike against the militia group within a month.[386] On 30 September, US Africa Command said it conducted an airstrike in southern Libya that killed 7 ISIL militants, alongside the Government of National Accord. This marked the fourth raid in the region against ISIL in two weeks.[387] On 10 February 2020, at least six Libyan families sued Haftar and the UAE government in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia for committing war crimes in Libya. The families of victims who were either killed, injured or faced attempted killings, demanded $1 billion in damages, said the plaintiffs' attorneys, Martin F. McMahon & Associates.[388] The lawsuit filed against the Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar by the families of the victims that were killed during the military campaign by Haftar's army, backed by Russia, the UAE and Egypt. First hearing of the case was on 29 September 2020, where Haftar's lawyer urged the court to drop the charges of war atrocities was rejected by Alexandria US District court judge.[389]
- Ukraine – A number of Il-76TD turbofan strategic airlifters belonging to Ukraine-registered companies have been destroyed in Libya. Russian news outlets claimed the aircraft were possibly smuggling arms to both sides of the civil war. This claim was rejected by Ukrainian Independent Information Agency.[390]
- Kazakhstan – On 21 September 2020, the European Union sanctioned the Sigma Airlines also known as Sigma Aviation and Air Sigma, a commercial cargo air company from Kazakhstan, because the UN found that it have violated the arms embargo in Libya.[309] In addition, the Kazakh authorities stripped the licenses of the Sigma Airlines together with the Azee Air and Jenis Air after the UN Security Council had informed them that they have violated the embargo.[391][392]
- European Union – In March 2020, the EU launched the Operation Irini, with the primary task of implementing the UN arms embargo. On 21 September 2020, Council of the European Union imposed sanctions on 2 individuals and 3 companies (Sigma Airlines – Kazakhstan, Avrasya Shipping – Turkey, Med Wave Shipping – Jordan) over their involvement in the violation of UN arms embargo in Libya. The sanctions included the freezing of assets of individuals and a travel ban on the individuals.[393][309]
- Sports
- Libya had been awarded the rights to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in association football; however, the tournament was stripped from the country in August 2014, due to concerns over the ongoing conflict.[394]
See also
[edit]- 2022 Tripoli clashes
- 2020 Turkish intervention in Libya
- American intervention in Libya (2015–2019)
- European migrant crisis
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Further reading
[edit]- Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, Terrorism in North Africa After Benghazi: The Jihadist Regional Outlook (International Centre for Counter-Terrorism – The Hague, 2013)
- Pelham, Nicolas. Libya Against Itself (February 2015). "Libyans feel even more isolated than when the UN imposed sanctions on Qaddafi. The civil society that briefly emerged after the colonel's downfall has all but disappeared. Each activist can reel off the names of colleagues shot dead or kidnapped, often by Islamists." New York Review of Books
External links
[edit]- Media related to Libyan Civil War (2014–present) at Wikimedia Commons
- Libyan civil war (2014–2020)
- Libyan Crisis (2011–present)
- 2010s in Libya
- 2020s in Libya
- 2010s civil wars
- 2020s civil wars
- 2010s conflicts
- 2020s conflicts
- Conflicts in 2014
- Conflicts in 2015
- Conflicts in 2016
- Conflicts in 2017
- Conflicts in 2018
- Conflicts in 2019
- Conflicts in 2020
- Aftermath of the Libyan civil war (2011)
- Arab Winter in Libya
- Civil wars of the 21st century
- Civil wars in Libya
- Military history of Libya
- Proxy wars
- Religion-based civil wars
- Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya
- Iran–Saudi Arabia relations
- Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict
- Wars involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant