ConflictBarometer_2016

MIDDLE EAST AND MAGHREB
ernorate, killing the personnel inside. One day later, Hezbollah
targeted a Jabhat al-Nusra convoy in the Tulat al-Dhalil
al-Aswad region near Arsal, killing and wounding numerous
militants as well as destroying their weapons and armored
vehicles. On July 2, Hezbollah attacked Jabhat al-Nusra positions
in the Wadi al-Khayl region, Beqaa Governorate, resulting
in the death of several Jabhat al-Nusra militants. On
August 14, Hezbollah shelled Fatah al-Sham positions on the
Zahr al-Hawa heights, Beqaa Governorate, using MRLS and
killing numerous militants. On November 21, Hezbollah targeted
Fatah al-Sham and the affiliated Harakat Ahrar al-Sham
with anti-tank guided missiles and rocket launchers near the
border village Tufayl, Beqaa Governorate. The attack left several
militants dead and vehicles destroyed. ysc, vks
LIBYA (OPPOSITION)
Intensity: 5 | Change: | Start: 2011
Conflict parties:
Conflict items:
HoR, LNA vs. GNC, DMSC, ARSC, BRSC,
BDB vs. PC, PFG
system/ideology, national power
LIBYA (INTER-TRIBAL)
Intensity: 3 | Change: | Start: 2012
Conflict parties: Tibu vs. Awlad Suleiman tribe
vs. Qaddadfa tribe vs. Tuareg vs.
Zuwayya
Conflict items: subnational predominance, resources
The conflict over subnational predominance and resources
among tribes in southern Libya deescalated to a violent crisis.
Among other issues, trafficking routes for illicit goods as well
as fuel were contested.
Despite the signing of a peace agreement in Doha, Qatar, on
2015/11/23, clashes erupted on January 10 between Tuareg
and Tibu in the town Awbari, Wadi al-Hayat district. In the
following five days, both sides used heavy weaponry, leaving
at least 14 dead and about 20 wounded in repeated confrontations.
While Tuareg said they were attacked by Tibus,
sources affiliated with the latter stated Tibus responded to
Tuareg sniper fire on civilians. The outbreak of violence coincided
with the meeting of elders and notables from both
tribes in the neighboring town Sebha concerning the implementation
of the Doha agreement.
In Sebha, located in the eponymous district, Awlad Suleiman
and Qaddadfa tribal forces engaged in fighting. On November
17, a monkey of a Qaddadfa shop owner removed the
headscarf of a bypassing girl from the Awlad Suleiman tribe,
whereupon their relatives killed the shopkeeper.
The incident sparked almost a week of violent clashes in
which tribal forces used tanks, heavy mortars, RPGs, and
heavy machine guns, leaving at least 21 people dead and up
to 100 wounded, and causing damage in residential areas. It
also led to shops, government institutions, as well as banks
being closed.
Delegations from different parts of the country intervened
to stop the fighting. On November 23, the Awlad Suleiman
and Qaddadfa tribes agreed upon an ceasefire. At the end of
month, armed tribal forces withdrew. On December 3, representatives
of the two tribes signed apeace agreement. sul
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The war over national power and the orientation of the political
system between rival state institutions backed by their
armed forces, loyal or loosely affiliated militias, and armed
groups continued.
Following the signing of the UN-facilitated Libyan Political
Agreement (LPA) 2015/12/17 by members of the internationally
recognized Tobruk-based House of Representatives
(HoR) and the rival Tripoli-based General National Congress
(GNC), the Presidency Council (PC) was created as part of an
envisaged Government of National Accord (GNA). The LPA
provided for the further existence of the HoR as alegislative
authority and the creation of a State Council comprised of
GNC members as an advisory second chamber. PC held its
first meeting on January 1, in Tunis, due to the security situation
in the capital Tripoli. Despite PC's formation, GNC, and
HoR's governments continued to be in place.
Part of GNC and its National Salvation Government (NSG) in
Tripoli under Prime Minister Khalifa Ghwell did not recognize
the LPA, stating that signatories acted without GNC's approval.
On February 2, GNC dismissed several members who signed
the agreement. NSG threatened to arrest PC members and
tried to prevent the PC's arrival by closing the airspace. Still,
on March 30, PC moved to Tripoli by ship with the backing
of previously GNC-affiliated militias. That day, skirmishes reportedly
erupted between pro-PC and NSG-affiliated militias,
killing one militiaman and injuring three. On April 5, a GNC
faction proclaimed the LPA's adoption, the State Council's formation,
and GNC's dissolution. NSG allegedly stepped down
the same day. However, the following day, Ghwell claimed
he was still in power. Nevertheless, following its arrival, PC
successively took control of affairs and government buildings
leaving the NSG largely isolated. The State Council managed
to take over GNC's seat, on April 22, but Ghwell and GNC
figures in the so-called ''Rixos coup” supported by loyal militiamen,
on October 14, reclaimed the building.
HoR rejected the proposed GNA ministers on January 25 as
well as on August 22 and had not adopted the LPA by the
end of this year, after having failed to reach the quorum several
times. Concerned about the future role of Khalifa Haftar,
Commander-in-Chief ofits Libyan National Army (LNA), the
eastern parliament opposed the transfer of authority over
the military to the PC.
Blamed for hindering the implementation of the LPA, GNC's
president Nuri Abu Sahmain, his HoR counterpart Ageela
Saleh, as well as Ghwell were sanctioned by the EU on April
1. Saleh and Ghwell were sanctioned by the US, on Mai 13