ISIS executes rival fighters after revolt in central Libya

The situation in Sirte underscores the “urgent need for parties in Libya to reach agreement on forming a government of national accord that, in partnership with the worldwide community, can provide security against violent extremist groups seeking to destabilize the country”, the statement reads.

“Libya’s temporary government urges … the Arab brother states … to conduct airstrikes against positions of the Daesh terrorist group in Sirte”, a cabinet statement said.

Fighting began earlier this week after a rival Islamist group, backed by a local tribe, refused to pledge allegiance to IS and called for a revolt.

Libya’s Petroleum Facilities Guard said the force needs more weapons to combat Islamic State which is seeking to control an area near oil ports.

Efforts to rebuild the state following the overthrow and death of longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi almost four years ago in Sirte have not lasted, despite repeated United Nations attempts to broker a peace deal.

Both of Libya’s rival governments – one based in the east and the other in Tripoli – have encouraged fighting against the jihadist group.

The GNC source, who requested anonymity, told Anadolu Agency that Daesh declared on Friday that its fighters had executed 25 hostages in the province. Pictures on social media, whose authenticity could not be verified, showed two bodies hanging from a gibbet.

“ISIS militants and armed residents from the city have been fighting continuously”, he said, adding that Sirte was also being hit by air strikes.

Sunday saw another violent outburst when an unknown gunman opened fire, aiming at the airport in Benghazi, which was closed last year because of frequent clashes between opposing groups.

According to news reports, the latest spate of violence in Sirte erupted this past Tuesday and has continued throughout the week, leaving dozens of casualties.

There are now two rival governments operating in the country, with the self-proclaimed authorities controlling the capital of Tripoli and adjacent western areas and the internationally recognized government, based in the eastern Libyan city of Tobruk.