ISIS seizes another town in Libya
ISIS took over the city of Sirte on Libya's central Mediterranean coast in stages this year
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants have seized another town in Libya, the group and a military source said on Friday, expanding the territory they control in the strife torn country.
The militant group, which controls large parts of Iraq and Syria, has exploited a security vacuum in Libya as two rival governments struggle for power, four years after the ousting of Muammar Qaddafi.
ISIS took over the city of Sirte on Libya's central Mediterranean coast in stages this year, occupying government buildings and last month the city's airport.
The group has now also taken over the town of Harwa to the east of Sirte, according to a statement posted on social media. A military source confirmed militants were controlling Harwa, adding they had taken over government buildings.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the killings of dozens of Egyptian and Ethiopian Christians, the storming of a luxury hotel in Tripoli and attacks on oilfields as well as suicide bombings in several cities.
The group has a strong presence in the eastern city of Derna and has carried out suicide attacks in Benghazi, the main eastern city.
The government of premier Abdullah al-Thinni has been based in the east since losing the capital Tripoli in August to a rival administration.
-
Is Libya on the eve of fresh military operations?
An Egyptian-led coalition would have notable goals. But there may be some unintended consequences Middle East -
Suicide bomber hits checkpoint near Libya's Misrata, several dead
A suicide bomber attacked a checkpoint outside the Libyan city of Misrata killing several people Middle East -
Libya Dawn militia frees detained Tunisians
Tunis announced earlier this month that 172 of its nationals were being held in western Libya Middle East -
Five people killed, eight wounded in rocket attack in Libya's Benghazi
An army commander blamed Islamist fighters for the rocket strike Africa -
ISIS seizes control of airport in Libya’s Sirte
Takeover of hub in Muammar Qaddafi's hometown is the first time that the militant group in Libya records such a military gain Middle East