Libya: Suspected US airstrikes target militant hideouts in Ubari early March 14

Event

A series of airstrikes, believed to have been launched by the US, targeted suspected militants in Ubari, southwestern Libya, early March 14. The airstrikes were targeting locations associated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). It remains unclear if there were any casualties as a result of the airstrikes. The US and Libyan governments have yet to comment or confirm the incident; however, the US government launched a series of airstrikes targeting militant groups in Libya in 2019.

Context

The absence of a strong central government and the lack of a unified national security force in central Libya has created a large security vacuum. Militant groups, including Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda-linked groups, are likely seeking to exploit the unstable security situation in the country. Militant groups regularly attempt to conduct attacks against security forces and civilians. While such groups no longer control key terrain in Libya, decentralized cells in the country's central districts continue to pose a significant threat and maintain operational influence. Many terror cells are still well-equipped, highly mobile, and likely retain the support of marginalized communities in the region.