Daesh returns to Libya, politicians say GNA the reason

Aya Ezz

After five days since Daesh targeted a military training camp in the southern Libyan city of Sebha, leaving seven soldiers from the Libyan National Army dead, the terrorist organization said on Friday that it carried out another attack in Ghadduwah, killing two civilians.

Social media accounts that are affiliated with Daesh posted pictures and statements by the terrorist group that it carried out the attack.

These attacks could indicate a return of the terrorist organization in Libya once again after enduring serious losses earlier by forces of the national Libyan Army.

According to a group of reports and statements by Libyan officials, the organization is still active in the form of mobile cells in the desert region between South Sirte and the heights of the Heroug Mountains.

Another group has attacked the Tamanhint airport on April 18, and it follows the so-called South Protection Force, funded by the Tripoli-based government of Fayez al-Sarraj.

It has been also revealed that Daesh operatives did not leave Libya in the first place, and it has a significant activity especially in Tripoli, due to the existence of sleeper cells that belong to the organization, which was also able to attract new recruits over the internet.

Reports pointed out that Daesh managed over the past months to establish networks in Libya by remnants who fled Syria and Iraq. The terrorist organization spreads across Cyrenaica, Fezzan and Tripoli.

Libyan political analyst Magdy Ismail told The Reference in an interview that the Government of National Accord (GNA) is the main reason behind the return of Daesh to Libya.

He clarified that the battle that the government declared over Khalifa Haftar and the national army made it cooperate with terrorist organizations such as Daesh to fight the army as mercenaries to hold control over Tripoli.

He also pointed out that the GNA allowed Daesh to infiltrate Tripoli in order to hinder the progress by the national army.