The research paper analyzes the armed conflict in Libya initiated by Operation Dignity and Libya Dawn. The conflict began in May 2014 with Khalifa Hifter’s campaign against Islamist militias. This has led to the establishment of rival governments, significant territorial fragmentation, and increased security risks from extremist groups. The paper assesses the implications of this civil war for regional security and suggests policy options for Western nations.

This research paper by Dr. Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Nathaniel Barr offers an in-depth analysis of Libya’s civil conflict, primarily focusing on the confrontations between Operation Dignity, led by Khalifa Hifter, and the Libya Dawn coalition. The hostilities began in May 2014 with Hifter’s campaign aimed at eliminating Islamist militias in eastern Libya, which notably began in Benghazi. This outbreak of violence disrupted the already tenuous peace within the region. The conflict saw the Misrata-based revolutionary forces and Islamist political factions respond vehemently to Hifter’s offensive, viewing it as a challenge to their political standing. Following defeat in parliamentary elections, the Misrata-Islamist alliance launched the Libya Dawn offensive to expel pro-Dignity groups from Tripoli, thereby solidifying their political control and altering the existing dynamics in the region. The Dignity and Dawn offensives have exacerbated Libya’s political fragmentation and territorial division, establishing rival governance structures as the conflict deepens. The nation now grapples with two active parliaments and governments, as various armed groups carve up the territory into distinct zones of influence. Additionally, the resulting security vacuum has allowed extremist entities, such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates, to thrive in Libya, increasing the dangers posed by non-state actors. This report details the military engagements between the opposing factions and evaluates the broader implications of the ongoing civil war for regional security. The authors also explore potential policy responses for Western countries to manage the crisis effectively.

The ongoing conflict in Libya represents a complex interplay of military coalitions and political factions that have emerged since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The landscape has been marked by the emergence of two primary adversarial groups—Operation Dignity and Libya Dawn—each vying for power and influence after the collapse of a central government. This fragmentation has led to a severe security crisis, enabling the rise of extremist groups benefiting from the chaos. Libya’s dilemma stems from a historical context of political instability and competing ideologies, as various factions engage in armed confrontations while attempting to assert control over the country’s resources and governance. Understanding the evolution of these conflicts is essential for analyzing their effects on Libya’s socio-political fabric and regional stability.

In conclusion, the examination of Libya’s civil war reveals a deeply fractured political landscape marked by the ongoing confrontations between the Dignity and Dawn coalitions. These hostilities not only undermine national governance but also enhance the threats posed by extremist groups operating within the security vacuum. A cohesive response from the international community remains vital to address the multilayered challenges faced by Libya, ensure long-term stability, and curtail the influence of violent non-state actors.

Original Source: www.icct.nl

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