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IPFS News Link • TERRORISM

IS tightens Libya grip as world focuses on Iraq, Syria

• globalpost.com

Experts and sources in Libya say Sirte has become a new focal point for the jihadist group as it comes under increasing pressure in its traditional Iraqi and Syrian power bases.

"It is clear 'IS central' made an investment on Libya a long time ago," in a strategy dating back almost two years, said Mattia Toaldo, policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

"Foreign fighters from North Africa are increasingly flocking to Sirte rather than going all the way to Syria."

Exploiting the chaos in Libya as rival militias and governments battled for power, IS seized Sirte in June, beheading and putting on crosses the bodies of militiamen who had been fighting them in the coastal city.

Officials in the army loyal to the internationally recognised authorities in the east say Sirte, the hometown of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi, has become a destination of choice for new recruits.


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