Video purports to show IS taking over Libyan town

Supporters of the Islamic State (IS) claim to have taken over the small town of Nawfaliya, some 30 kilometres west of Ben Jawad. The Libya Heralds reports that Ben Jawad is currently being used by Libya Dawn’s Operation Sunrise forces as their base in the offensive to take Sidra oil terminal.

According to the Libyan newspaper, a video posted on social media and claiming to have been filmed yesterday shows a convoy of some 40 vehicles driving with some displaying the black IS flag along the main street of the bleak desert town, which lies some 10 kilometres south of the main coast road.

The Libya Herald said that they are reported to still be there today, demanding that the residents “repent” on non-Islamic practices and pledge allegiance to the Islamic State, its “Caliph”, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and his “emir” in the town, named as one Ali Al-Qarqaa.

The group, which is alleged to include some foreigners, is said to have come from Sirte, itself now reported to have a significant IS presence.

The Libya Herald also said that the group would have not made it to Nawfaliya without the knowledge of Operation Sunrise forces. Nawfaliya is some 140 kilometres away from Sirte.

“Although they and Libya Dawn have until now disputed the presence of any IS forces in the country, it was reported that there was a clash yesterday between Sunrise and IS in which as many as five Misratans fighting with Sunrise died,” a Libya Herald reporter said.

“With Nawfaliya in its hands IS would be able to control the east-west coastal road currently closed because of the fighting further east of ben Jawad between Operation Sunrise and the forces loyal to the Libya government.  At present the only town fully controlled by IS is Derna, although it believed to have cells operating in Tripoli and Sabratha as well as Sirte.”

Media reports claim that IS has reinforced the entrances of Nawfaliya to prevent Sunrise attacks.