ISIS capitalizes on Libya security vacuum, establishes ‘legitimate foothold’ – State Dept.

‘Amid a chaotic situation in Libya three years after the US-led NATO operation toppled Colonel Gaddafi, Washington is voicing strong concerns over the growing influence of Islamic State radicals in the country.

As Islamist Libya Dawn and Operation Dignity factions, headed by Lt Gen. Khalifa Haftar, battle for power in Libya, creating a separate government and army rival to internationally-recognized Abdullah al-Thani’s parliament in Tobruk, at least three terrorist groups in north African country swore allegiance to the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS / ISIL).

These new ISIS affiliates in Libya are the IS Barqa Province, IS Fezzan Province and IS Tripoli. The US State Department says that between 1,000 to 3,000 militants in Libya are now fighting for the Islamic State cause.’

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