Tripolitania and Tripoli
One of Libya’s more prominent political figures, Juma Al Gamatay, who leads the Taghayeer Party, was abducted in the Tripoli area on 6 October by the members of the Al Qaaqaa Brigade. The Al Qaaqaa Brigade is believed to operate in west Tripoli and has been reported to belong to the Al Zintan Revolutionary Forces. Al Gamatay was subsequently released at the Sidi Salem checkpoint and one of the kidnappers was reported to have been arrested near Mitiga International Airport. Al Watan Libya reported that demonstrators gathered in front of the National Assembly in Tripoli on 7 October, demanding the safe passage of civilians from Bani Walid. The protesters also called for fair trials and the reactivation of the judicial system.
Government controlled forces have continue their siege of the pro-Qadhafi stronghold of Bani Walid. The last seven days have seen a build-up of forces in the area as the original deadline imposed by the National Congress for the town to surrender those responsible for the capture, shooting and alleged torture of Omran Shaban was extended. Shaban was credited with discovering Muammar Qadhafi in October 2011 in Sirte. The original deadline of 5 October was extended to the 10 October after an intervention of President Mohamed Magarief, who called for more time to enable a peaceful resolution to the crisis. On 8 October, the Libya Herald reported renewed clashes between government-controlled forces and fighters from the Bani Walid area. The fighting was reported to have taken place in the Mordum area, around 30 kilometres southwest of one of the government’s four front lines at Bir Dufan.
On 8 October, the Libyan daily Irassa reported the kidnapping of five fighters from the Ministries of Defense and Interior from Zliten near Bani Walid. The fighters were taken in the residential Wadi Al Mardoum area, 70 km from Bani Walid. Amnesty International has called for the siege of Bani Walid to be lifted, the organization called for the authorities to allow basic goods and food into the area. The Libya Herald also reported that the Egyptian embassy attempted to evacuate Egyptian citizens from Bani Walid on 7 October, but that several buses were turned back. Unconfirmed reports also claimed that a number of Egyptian citizens were evacuated on 8 October.
The Libya Herald reported that High Security Committee (HSC) forces foiled an attempt by armed assailants to free a group of prisoners under its custody, leaving one of the attackers wounded. The incident occurred on 7 October, as a group of prisoners were being returned from the Swani prosecution office south of the capital. The assailants opened fire at the HSC vehicle carrying the detainees, who were accused of kidnapping and blackmail offences. One of the detainees was reported to have been shot during the attack but his injury was not believed to life threatening. The assailants managed to escape but the HSC subsequently claimed that they were aware of the attacker’s identities.
Car-jacking remains a very real danger in areas of Tripoli, especially for foreigners with more desirable vehicles in what is becoming recognised as 'steal to order' operations. Recent incidents have pointed to a more aggressive mode of operation, including the use of physical violence, pepper spray and the presence of weapons.