Eye on ISIS in Libya: The Anti-ISIS Coalition Update

Three interlinked conflict dynamics are discernible from last week’s developments on the ground: 1) increased lawlessness and militia rivalry in Tripoli and the western region; 2) increasing momentum of the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) Misratan-led assault on ISIS; and 3) rising tension between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and Petroleum Facilities Guard in the Oil Crescent. All of these developments undermine the ability for the anti-ISIS coalition of Libyan militias to function coherently.

Despite the setbacks suffered at the start of the GNA’s Misratan-led operation to liberate Sirte, as well as the high number of causalities already sustained, militias from Misrata and western Libya continue to join the effort. On 17 May, air force jets from the Misratan airbase conducted 12 sorties on ISIS positions, in support of fighters from the Bunyan Marsous Operations room as they advanced east to retake Abu Grein. Landmines left by ISIS on the western outskirts of the town killed six Misratans, while one suicide vehicle was destroyed before it reached its target. The Misratans managed to claim control of Abu Grein, also retaking Al Wishka and the strategic crossing of Baghla. Advancing Misratans forces also clashed with ISIS militants at the 50 Kilometre checkpoint west of Sirte.