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29 mars 2024

Dozens killed in attack on IS in Libya: agency


Dozens killed in attack on IS in Libya: agency

AFP

A general view of the eastern Libyan town of Dern, seen on March 15, 2011
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A general view of the eastern Libyan town of Derna (AFP Photo/Alessio Romenzi)

Tripoli (AFP) – Dozens of fighters from the Islamic State group were killed in Libya Saturday as militiamen sought to dislodge them from a neighbourhood in the eastern city of Derna, Libyan news agency Lana reported.

For more than a week now, fighters belonging to a group known as the Mujahedeen Council of Derna have been attacking elements of the radical Sunni Muslim group in the city.

« Armed men » were trying Saturday morning to drive IS forces out of Derna’s eastern district of Fataeh, Lana said, and « there were dozens of deaths in the IS ranks. »

Lana, with links to the militia-backed government in Tripoli that is not recognised by the international community, said Fataeh was « IS’s last bastion in Derna, » suggesting that the group’s fighters had been driven out of the rest of the city.

IS has had a significant presence in Derna since the end of 2014.

Libya descended into chaos after a revolt unseated longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. It now has rival governments and parliaments, as well as powerful militias battling for influence and a share of its oil wealth.

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