Libya: Clashes near Derna continue /update 2

Event

Clashes between the Khalifa Haftar-led Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Derna Protection Force (DPF), an alliance of militias including members of the now-disbanded Mujahideen Shura Council of Derna, continued near Derna on Tuesday, May 22. Tuesday's fighting - reportedly the fiercest since the LNA launched its offensive on Derna - left one commander dead and two other soldiers wounded.

The Derna fighting comes amid Islamic State (IS)-claimed attacks near Ajdabiya and in Awjila on Tuesday. Near Ajdabiya, suspected IS militants killed three guards and wounded two others in a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack on a checkpoint at the southern entrance to the town; in Awjila, IS militants kidnapped a police officer from a checkpoint. Further clashes between LNA and DPF fighters are expected near Derna in the coming days; additional IS attacks on security forces are also possible in the near-term.

Context

Libya has been divided by rival governments and factions with their own militias and political parties since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The security situation in Libya remains precarious and the country is likely to remain unstable in the near-term amid the ongoing civil war.

Advice

Individuals in Libya are advised to avoid the affected areas, monitor the situation, and remain vigilant for potential militant activity.

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with appropriate security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.