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Special Analysises

August 25, 2020 by M Barbu

The Islamic State’s Revitalization in Libya and its Post-2016 War of Attrition

Abstract: Following its territorial loss of Sirte in December 2016, the Islamic State in Libya has rebounded to wage a war of attrition that seeks to derail Libyan state formation. During the last two years, the group has been able to ‘reset,’ moving through recovery, reorganization, and now re-engagement phases.

Isis in Action

On 16 August, the Libyan National Army (LNA) claimed to have killed three ISIS-Libya fighters in Ghadduwa, after they were briefly besieged by locals near a farm.

Iran: The U.S. Brings Maximum Pressure to the UN

The Trump administration continues its “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, now with an attempt to restore pre-2015 UN sanctions, a right reserved for signatories to the nuclear deal it abandoned. Other UN Security Council members should disregard this gambit and urge Tehran not to overreact.

Trei state membre NATO se ameninţă şi se şicanează reciproc. Ce poate face Alianţa?

Nu s-a ajuns la aprinderea focurilor războiului, dar nici nu suntem extrem de departe. Motivul imediat îl constituie drepturile de foraj şi definirea dată de partea greacă sau de cea turcă a zonelor economice exclusive (EEZ).

Macron invites Head of Libya’s Presidential Council to visit Paris

August 25, 2020 by M Barbu

The Head of the Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sarraj has received an invitation from the French President Emmanuel Macron to visit Paris, his media office reported Sunday.

Anti corruption protests in Tripoli and Misurata

August 25, 2020 by M Barbu

Hundreds of protesters gathered on Sunday evening at the Martyrs Square in Tripoli, to protest the endemic corruption in the state, demanding accountability and the dismissal of those responsible.

After Breaching Gates With VBIED Al Shabaab Holds 5 Hour Long Siege on Elite Hotel in Lido Beach, Mogadishu, Somalia

August 25, 2020 by M Barbu

Al Shabaab stormed the Elite Hotel in Lido Beach after breaching the hotel’s gates with an explosive-laden vehicle. At least four gunmen, plus the suicide bomber driver, were involved in the attack which killed nearly 20 people and injured another 43. A five-hour siege ended with assailants killed.The owner of the hotel, former Finance Minister, Abdullahi Mohamed Nur, was inside the hotel during the attack as well as other government employees. Al Shabaab often chooses soft targets like restaurants and hotels to attack government employees and policy makers. At the beginning of August, an al Shabaab suicide bomber targeted another seaside restaurant hosting government officials at Lul Yemeny Seaside Restaurant. A nearly identical attack to the Elite Hotel attack tactics occurred the week prior when al Shabaab suicide bomber targeted 12th April Somalian Army Brigade in the Wardighley District of Mogadishu.Via al-Andalus media, al Shabaab claimed credit for the attack, “Al-Shabaab forces waged amaliyat against a hotel owned by member of federal parliament.”

Military Coup in Mali Raises Concerns about Stability in the Sahel

August 25, 2020 by M Barbu

A military coup in Mali to oust the country’s political leadership has raised prospects of spiraling instability that could result in an opportunity for jihadist groups.

Shabaab hits hotel, military base with suicide assaults

August 24, 2020 by M Barbu

Over the past two days, Shabaab, al-Qaeda’s branch in East Africa, has launched two suicide assaults across Somalia. The first targeted a popular hotel in Mogadishu, while the second hit a Somali military base outside of Baidoa.

The Hafter-aligned PFG announces resumption of the export of stored oil and gas

August 24, 2020 by M Barbu

The head of the eastern-based and Khalifa Hafter-aligned Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG), Naji Moghrabi, announced in a televised address yesterday that they are lifting the blockade on the export of oil and gas already produced and in storage.

IOM, UNHCR call for urgent action after 45 illegal immigrants drown off Libya’s coast

August 24, 2020 by M Barbu

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, said they were deeply saddened by the tragic death of at least 45 illegal immigrants and refugees on August 17 in what they had described as the largest recorded shipwreck off the Libyan coast this year.

Libyan Army Spokesman: Haftar’s militias can not be trusted

August 23, 2020 by M Barbu

Libyan Army Spokesman, Colonel Muhammad Gununu has cast into doubt the effectiveness of the new ceasefire announced in the country on Friday.

Sarraj announces end of hostilities in Libya

August 23, 2020 by M Barbu

Chairman of Presidential Council, Fayez Sarraj, has given orders for the Libyan army forces under the Government of National Accord to implement an immediate ceasefire and end all hostilities in Libya.