ISIS Adapts to LNA Offensive in Sabri, Benghazi
BLUF: Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) attacked Libyan National Army (LNA) positions in the coastal Sabri District of Benghazi. The attack targeted the Bu Ashrin building, killing at least three LNA soldiers. The outcome of the fighting in unclear. ISIS claimed to have captured multiple vehicles as well as a “number of checkpoints,” but independent confirmation is not available. This is the first attack since the LNA offensive in Sabri and Souq al-Hout and may represent an adaptation to territorial losses.
In late July LNA units advanced into the Sabri district of Benghazi, taking positions near Khatout Street and the Noran Hotel and establishing what appeared to be a sustainable foothold in the lower half of the district from which to fight the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries (SCBR). This operation was conducted in conjunction with an LNA push into northern Souq al-Hout. For further information on these events see Libya Security Monitor’s publications “LNA Advance Near Coast Seeks to Cut Off Rebel Strongholds” (July 29) and “Benghazi Update Map : Souq al-Hout Neighborhood” (August 3)
On 14 August, local media sources reported that LNA forces had clashed with unidentified rebels in the upper half of Sabri, focused around the Bu Ashrin building. ISIS released a picture set claiming responsibility for the attack and showing their fighter planning the assault.
The imagery depicted (likely taken from a commercially available drone) shows a section of Sabri known as Zariyaya, which contains the above-mentioned Bu Ashrin building. Additional pictures show dead LNA soldiers, a picture of the destroyed Bu Ashrin building, and captured vehicles as well as a T-55 tank (photos can be viewed through the source link below but are not shown due to their graphic nature).
Even if ISIS’ claim of capturing several checkpoints is accurate, the actual tactical gain for the organization is minimal. Of interest however is the renewed interest in the Sabri district. Since the late July offensive, ISIS has not claimed any attacks or published any media related to Benghazi. While it is difficult to determine ISIS’ involvement in activities attributed to the SCBR, it is clear this period has seen a marked decrease in ISIS kinetic and media activity. It is possible that this attack and picture set represents a renewed period of ISIS activity in Benghazi adapted to the LNA gains in Sabri and Souq al-Hout.
Sourcing:(al-Wasat)(Akhbar Libya 24)(ISIS Media Office of Barqa)
