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| Egyptian intervention in Libya (2015–2020) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Libyan civil war (2014–2020) and the War against the Islamic State | ||||||||
 The situation in June 2020 | ||||||||
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| Belligerents | ||||||||
|
 France[7] |
 ISIL[8] |
 Qatar[9] | ||||||
| Units involved | ||||||||
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Military of ISIL |
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The Egyptian intervention in Libya has been substantial since the beginning of the Libyan civil war. The intervention started after the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) released a video of the beheading of 21 Egyptians on 12 February 2015. In response, Egypt launched airstrikes on 16 February, that same year. After that incident, Egypt became increasingly involved with Libya's internal politics.
On 12 February, ISIL released a video of the group beheading Coptic Christians, all of which were Egyptians. On 16 February 2015, Egyptian F-16s struck weapons caches and training camps of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Libya. The air strikes killed 64 ISIS fighters, including three leaders in Derna and Sirte on the coast.[15] 55 were captured in ground assaults.[16] 7 civilians were also killed by the air strike.[17]
Egypt and the UAE carried out multiple airstrikes in Derna in May, June, and September against ISIL.[18][19] However, the Libyan Express released a video alleging that Egyptian soldiers were at the front line alongside the Libyan National Army.[20]
On 5 April, Egypt expressed its deep concern over a campaign in Tripoli and urged all sides to avoid escalation. Egypt also announced its commitment to UN efforts to find a political solution to the Libyan Crisis, adding that a political solution is the only option.[21] On 9 April, Egypt expressed support for the Libyan National Army and its push to dismantle all remaining militias, while also warning against foreign intervention in the conflict.[22] On 14 April, President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, met with LNA Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar in Cairo[23] and announced his support for the LNA's counterterrorism efforts, stating that the efforts and improved stability would allow for a quick start to reconstruction in a number of areas in Libya.[24]
On 5 July, Egyptian warplanes hit a site where Turkey was allegedly building a military base.[25]
On 19 July, The Egyptian President made public threats to the Government of National Accord (GNA) that Egypt would deploy troops if Sirte were to be captured, which was viewed by the GNA as a declaration of war.[26] The next day, Egypt deployed an undisclosed number of troops into Libya. Many politicians and news sources say due to Turkish military intervention in Libya from earlier in 2020.
