Libya: Bomb attack in Benghazi targets tribal leader August 4

Event

Security officials reported that an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated inside a mosque in the Sidi Faraj district of Benghazi on Friday, August 4. At least seven people were wounded in the attack. According to media reports, the target of the attack may have been Sheikh Saleh Latawish, the leader of the Magharba tribe. Two of his sons were reportedly wounded in the bombing. As of Saturday, August 5, no group has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Context

Latawish was instrumental in helping the LNA take control of the oil crescent. It is assessed Latawish was in part motivated by the growing influence of Ibrahim Jodhran and his family who held sway politically and militarily in the region, undermining the Sheikh’s position as head of the tribe. Latawish used his influence to instruct his tribal members, who made up the majority of Jodhran's oil protection force, to join the LNA. The Sheikh was targeted in an IED attack at the same mosque in November 2016 and was severely wounded.

Haftar announced victory in the battle against Islamist militias in Benghazi on July 5. LNA forces had been battling the Islamist Revolutionary Shura Council of Benghazi (RSCB) and the Salafist Jihadist Ansar Al-Sharia (AAS) since the launch of the 2014 campaign to reclaim the city. The May 2017 push to defeat the militias was focused on the Souq Al-Hout and Sabri neighborhoods. Despite the victory announcement, reports surfaced on July 7, that fighting in the Sabri neighborhood is ongoing and has left at least 12 LNA soldiers dead and 35 wounded. As of August 5, the RSCB has occupied several buildings in Sabri and the LNA has surrounded the area. Sporadic incidents are still being reported including the use of body-borne improvised explosive devices (BBIEDs). IEDs have also been triggered by soldiers and civilians who have returned to inspect their homes against LNA advice.

Advice

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.