terrorism in libya - 19 march 2015
DESCRIPTION
LIAS Report on Terrorism in Libya 19 March 2015TRANSCRIPT
19 March 2015
1
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Foreword
Terrorism and ISIS in particular is an existential threat not only to Libya but to the global
community. The murder of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Sirte, Libya, the burning alive of
a Jordanian pilot in Syria, and the recent attacks in France and Copenhagen are only a small
portion of the heinous crimes committed by these criminals in the name of Islam.
The document you have in your hands lists the atrocities committed on a daily basis in Libya.
If these criminals are not dealt with, they will continue to murder, kidnap, extort, and
enslave innocent people with ever greater impunity.
LIAS will distribute these updates on a regular basis so that these crimes are widely reported
and these criminals exposed for what they really are.
Dr. Aref Ali Nayed
Chairman, Libyan Institute for Advanced Studies
2
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Table of Contents Glossary of Actors ........................................................................................................................ 4
Organizations ........................................................................................................................... 4
Individuals ................................................................................................................................ 4
Locations .................................................................................................................................. 4
Map of Libya and Provinces ........................................................................................................ 5
Map of Libyan Population Density ............................................................................................. 6
Definition of Categorized Events ................................................................................................ 7
Violence in Libya .......................................................................................................................... 8
Libyan Body Count ...................................................................................................................... 9
Islamic State Events over Time ................................................................................................... 9
ISIS Background, Situation, Expansion, and Strategy in Libya ............................................... 10
Overview ................................................................................................................................. 10
Situation ................................................................................................................................. 10
Expansion ................................................................................................................................ 11
Strategy .................................................................................................................................... 12
Conclusions ............................................................................................................................. 13
Terrorist Events in Libya ............................................................................................................ 15
Week of 15 March 2015 ........................................................................................................... 15
Week of 8 March 2015 ........................................................................................................... 20
Week of 1 March 2015 ............................................................................................................ 23
Week of 22 February 2015 ..................................................................................................... 26
Week of 15 February 2015...................................................................................................... 28
Week of 8 February 2015 ........................................................................................................ 31
Week of 1 February 2015 ....................................................................................................... 34
Week of 25 January 2015 ....................................................................................................... 36
Week of 18 January 2015 ....................................................................................................... 38
Week of 11 January 2015 ........................................................................................................ 39
Week of 4 January 2015 ......................................................................................................... 40
Week of 28 December 2014 .................................................................................................... 41
Week of 21 December 2014.................................................................................................... 42
Week of 14 December 2014 ................................................................................................... 43
Week of 7 December 2014 ..................................................................................................... 44
Week of 30 November 2014 .................................................................................................. 44
3
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Week of 23 November 2014 ................................................................................................... 44
Week of 16 November 2014 ................................................................................................... 45
Week of 9 November 2014 ..................................................................................................... 46
Week of 2 November 2014 ..................................................................................................... 48
Week of 19 October 2014 ....................................................................................................... 48
Week of 5 October 2014 ......................................................................................................... 49
Week of 7 September 2014 .................................................................................................... 49
Week of 17 August 2014 ......................................................................................................... 49
Week of 20 July 2014 ............................................................................................................. 50
Week of 15 June 2014 ............................................................................................................ 50
Week of 16 March 2014 .......................................................................................................... 50
Locations of ISIS and Affiliates’ Activites .................................................................................. 51
Photos of ISIS and Affiliates’ Activities .................................................................................... 52
Endnotes ..................................................................................................................................... 61
4
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Glossary of Actors
Organizations Libya Dignity – The military operation led by General Khalifa Haftar commanding the
Libyan Army to rid Benghazi of Islamist militias, he is allied to the internationally recognized
House of Representatives in Tobruk.
Libya Dawn – A coalition of militias based in Tripoli and Misrata, currently under the
command of the now defunct General National Congress.
Libya Sunrise – A faction of Libya Dawn, they are the armed units operating in western
Libya, stationed in Bin Jawad. Currently, Operation Sunrise is attempting to seize the As Sidr
and Ras Lanuf oil terminals from the Libyan National Army.
Ansar al-Sharia in Benghazi (AAS) aka Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries –
Islamic Militia
Islamic State in Cyrenaica (Barqa) - (MSSI) Majlis Shura Shabab al-Islam – Islamic
Militia in Derna, associated with ISIL, largest ISIL affiliate
Islamic State in Tripolitania – Islamic Militia, associated with ISIL
Islamic State in Fezzan – Islamic Militia, associated with ISIL
Individuals Khalifa Haftar – Head of Operation Libya Dignity, allied to HoR, currently leading the
Libyan Army against Islamist militias in Benghazi
Wissam bin Humaid – Commander of Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries (AAS)
Mohammed al-Zahawi – Former Commander of Ansar al-Sharia in Benghazi, killed in
January 2015
Abu Taleb al-Jazrawey – Yemeni Emir of Islamic State in Derna
Locations Tripolitania (aka Tarabulus) – NW province, capital is Tripoli
Cyrenaica (aka Barqa) – Eastern Province, capital is Benghazi
Fezzan – Southern Province, capital Sebha
Derna – Eastern port city, IS headquarters and training center
Sirte – Central port city, IS in Tripolitania headquarters (Ouagadougou Conference Center)
Bayda – Eastern city, Home to Al-Thinni’s cabinet and Constitutional Drafting Assembly
Bin Jawad – Central city, frontline for the As Sidr and Ras Lanuf oil terminal battles
Sabratha – City west of Tripoli, stronghold for IS in Tripolitania
Sebha – Southwestern city, capital of Fezzan, likely the headquarters for IS in Fezzan
5
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Map of Libya and Provinces
MAP 1 - MAJOR CITIES AND PROVINCES OF LIBYA
6
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Map of Libyan Population Density
MAP 2 - LIBYAN POPULATION DENSITY MAP
7
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Definition of Categorized Events
Armed Clashes – Battles or skirmishes between two armed organizations using but not
limited to light, medium, and heavy weaponry.
Beheading – The act of execution by decapitation.
Human Rights Violations – Acts committed by a group or individual that deliberately
disregard moral principles or norms outlined in international laws such as the United
Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Kidnapping – The forceful abduction and detention of an individual or group.
Murder – The act of intentionally killing another human, this includes targeted killings and
assassinations.
Propaganda/Recruitment – The production of media to deliberately spread the
principles or doctrines of an organization in the attempt to further that organization’s
agenda.
8
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Violence in Libya
MAP 3 - VIOLENT DEATHS BY LOCATION
MAP 4 - IS EVENTS BY LOCATION
9
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Libyan Body Count
Islamic State Events over Time
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
Ja
n
Fe
b
M
ar
Ap
r
M
ay
Ju
n
Jul Au
g
Se
p
Oc
t
No
v
De
c
Ja
n
Fe
b
M
ar
2014 2015
Murder 20 1 14 7 12 14 77 98 81 79 33 11 29 11 4
Kidnapping 1 1 1
Human Rights Violation 1 7 36 10 73 30 87 13 4 1
Car Bomb 10 1 1 1 7 43
Beheading 1 1 6 2 21
Armed Clashes 99 4 91 45 355 381 322 357 214 220 99 134 25
Tota
l De
ath
s
Number of Violent Deaths by Month
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Jul Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
2014 2015
Propaganda/Recruitment 4 5 1 14 18 2
Murder 3 2
Kidnapping 1 1 1 2
Human Rights Violation 1 2 4 1
Extortion 1
Car Bomb 4 3 1 3 3
Beheading 1 2 1 1
Armed Clashes 1 1 8 5 3
Nu
mb
er
of
Ev
en
ts
Islamic State in Libya - Events over Time
10
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
ISIS Background, Situation, Expansion, and Strategy in Libya
Overview
The launch of Operation Dawn in July 2014 by militias based in Tripoli and Mistrata,
provided the catalyst to sufficiently destabilize Libya’s already fragile political and security
situation. During this time, elements of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, long present
in eastern Libya, seized the opportunity to advance their own agenda. Over the past six
months, IS in Libya has grown from a small group of jihadists in Derna, allegedly sent in
mid-September 2014 by ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, to an increasingly dangerous
force, with bases of operation within all three of historical provinces in Libya.
Situation
The beheading of 21 Egyptian
Coptic Christians in a video
released on 15 February shows
that the Islamic State in Iraq and
Syria (ISIS) has considerable
influence outside areas originally
declared in their “caliphate.” The
video, released by ISIS’s al-Hayat
Media Center, shows the
execution and beheading of 21
Egyptians by militants belonging
to ISIS’s Wilayat al-Tarabulus, or Tripoli Province of the caliphate. Following the
beheadings, the leader of the group declares, in clear English, that Wilayat al-Tarbabulus will
be the base for ISIS’s planned advance on Rome.
In later videos, ISIS members announce their desire to use Libya as a platform for future
expansion and attacks against Europe, notably Italy. An essay written by a prominent ISIS
supporter outlines ISIS’s plans for Libya. The author calls Libya a “strategic gateway for the
Islamic State.” The essay states that “Libya, by the permission of God, is the key to Tunisia,
Sudan, Mali, Algeria, and Niger too. It is the anchor from which can be reached Africa and
the Islamic Maghreb. However, for this dream to become a reality we must move quickly.”
PHOTO 1 – IS LEADER ABU SULEIMAN AL-JAHBATHY
THREATENS ROME
11
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Finally the author states, “(Libya) has a long coastline and looks upon the southern Crusader
states, which can be reached with ease by even a rudimentary boat and note that the number
of ‘illegal immigration’ trips from this coast is massive, estimated to be as high as 500 people
a day, as a low estimate. “According to many [of these immigrants], it is easily possible to
pass through Maritime Security Checkpoints and arrive in cities. If this was even partially
exploited and developed strategically, pandemonium could be wrought in the southern
Europe. It is even possible that there could be a closure of shipping lines because of the
targeting of Crusader ships and tankers.”
Expansion
After the 2011 revolution, portions of the eastern city of Darnah, a city known for its
sympathies for fundamentalist religious groups, had been under the control of Majlis Shura
Shabab al-Islam (MSSI). Members of MSSI appear to have been the conduit for ISIS
representatives to enter eastern Libya. Reports on social media website began showing
members of MSSI implementing hisba (accountability patrols) throughout the city, in a
manner mirroring patrols by ISIS members in Mosul and Raqqa. These patrols were first
tendrils of ISIS’s presence in Libya. By mid-September 2014 photos posted to social media
sites showed several large ISIS parades throughout Darnah. On 3 October 2014, members of
MSSI held a large rally in the center of Darnah declaring baya (allegiance) to ISIS and its
leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. It was later noted by Atlantic Council research fellow
Mohamed Eljarh that a Yemeni named Abu Taleb al-Jazrawey was declared emir of the
newly created Wilayat Darnah. This declaration has become the first substantial foothold for
ISIS outside of Iraq and Syria. ISIS representatives have used Darnah as a springboard to
spread its influence throughout the other provinces of Libya.
The continued political and military chaos in Libya following the ouster of Muammar
Gaddafi in 2011 has provided an ideal situation for extremist organizations such as ISIS to
expand throughout Libya. In the months following MSSI’s declaration of allegiance to ISIS in
October, attacks attributed to other ISIS related groups have occurred across all regions of
Libya.
12
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
During the week of 9 November
2014, three car bombings and four
beheadings were carried out by
groups affiliated with ISIS in the
eastern province of Barqa.
In December 2014, IS affiliates of the
Tarabulus province took credit for
car bombings outside of the
Diplomatic Security Headquarters in
Tripoli, later detonating a car bomb
outside of the Embassy of Algeria. Later
that month, ISIS in Sirte kidnapped a
group of Egyptian Coptic Christians.
On 3 January, members of ISIS in Fezzan, Libya’s southern promise, attacked a Libyan Army
checkpoint in Sokhna, killing 14 soldiers and two cooks while they were sleeping.
Since then, ISIS affiliates have increased the diversity and lethality of their attacks. ISIS
members in Libya have taken credit for the attack on the Corinthia hotel in Tripoli, the
beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians, and the coordinated car bombing of three
locations in Qubbah. ISIS in Libya has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to target both
civilians and government officials.
Strategy
Aaron Zelin, Richard Barrow Fellow for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy,
recently stated that ISIS in Libya seems to be attempting to follow the same tactics it so
effectively employed in Iraq and Syria last June. Unlike its predecessor al-Qaeda, ISIS has
effectively used media sharing websites such as JustPasteIt, Manbar, and Twitter to
continually update its supporters and potential recruits that it is active in the areas under its
control. These press releases not only show the results of attacks by ISIS affiliates
throughout Libya, but also show the same organizations distributing dawa (charity) to
children and the poor. Like in Iraq and Syria, the considerably well produced media
publications have been used a powerful tool to build both community support for the group
and attract new recruits.
PHOTO 2 - A MAP SHOWING THE THREE
PROVINCES TO BE GOVERNED BY ISIS IN
EASTERN, WESTERN, AND SOUTHERN LIBYA.
13
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
In regards to recruitment, ISIS
has recently launched a large
campaign to funnel fighters
from other extremist groups
within Libya. Again, this
follows a similar tactic
employed by ISIS in Syria,
attracting fighters from similar
organizations such as Jahbat al-
Nusra and recruiting them to fight
for the Islamic State. The Islamic
State in Libya’s largest target has been Ansar al-Sharia in Benghazi. ISIS has released a series
of statements urging the seasoned fighters of Ansar al-Sharia to join ISIS’s ranks. This
campaign seems to have started following the announcement of the death of Ansar al-
Sharia’s leader, Mohammed al-Zahawi. A video released on 27 February 2015, shows an ISIS
fighter calling for supporters to travel to Libya and fight.
Other analysts note that ISIS is using Libya as a regional command center and a launching
point for further expansion. Large stockpiles of Gaddafi-era weapons can be found
throughout Libya. In addition, porous borders allow ISIS to easily smuggle fighters from
neighboring countries. On 25 February, Libya’s Tripoli based government abolished entry
visas for Algerian and Moroccan nationals. Over 2,000 Moroccans and Algerians are thought
to be currently fighting with ISIS.
Finally, ISIS attacks on Libyan oil facilities may suggest their desire to control portions of
Libya’s lucrative oil resources. It is estimated that ISIS in Iraq and Syria generated up to $2
million per day from illegal oil exports. A similar strategy in Libya would provide substantial
funding
Conclusions
As noted in the 5th edition of ISIS’s online magazine Dabiq, its largest foreign base of support
is Libya. The drastic increase in bombings, kidnappings, and beheadings throughout Libya
by organizations allied to ISIS seems to have proven these claims true. ISIS in Libya has been
able to take advantage of the nation’s post-revolutionary political turmoil to establish a base
of support, though to a lesser degree, using the same tactics as in Iraq and Syria. Like in Iraq
and Syria, ISIS in Libya has been able to recruit foreign fighters to join its ranks, as seen at
the Corinthia Hotel. Given heavy military setbacks in Kobane and Mosul, coupled with ISIS’s
PHOTO 3 - A PHOTO FROM AN ISIS PUBLICATION
URGING ANSAR AL-SHARIA MEMBERS TO PLEDGE
BAYA TO ABU BAKR AL-BAGHDADI. THE MEN ARE
SHOWN WEARING THE LOGO OF ANSAR AL-SHARIA
IN BENGHAZI.
14
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
heavy campaigning for immigration by ISIS officials, ISIS members have turned to Libya as
its next area of expansion. Without international cooperation with Libya’s recognized
government, ISIS will continue to flourish in Northern Africa.
15
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Terrorist Events in Libya
Week of 15 March 2015
Benghazi – On 19 March 2015, Ansar al-Sharia in Benghazi released a set of photos
showing a graduating class from one of its training camps. According to the Long War
Journal, the photographs are captioned thus:
“This is the latest class of the protectors of the Shariah and the opposers of injustice
graduating from the mujahideen training camps to join their brothers in the battlefronts in
order to complete the journey of jihad.”i
PHOTO 4 - ANSAR AL-SHARIA GRADUATES
Unspecified - On 18 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released video and text
that threatened Misratan politicians, Misratan militias, and the current UNSMIL dialogues
taking place in Morocco.ii According to Al Wasat, an Islamic State leader by the name of Abu
Mohammed Ferjani threatened to turn Misrata into a city like Mosul or Fallujah.iii
PHOTO 5 - THE ISLAMIC STATE THREATENS UNSMIL
16
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Unspecified – On 18 March 2015, the Islamic State in Libya released a video message that
threatened politicians and businessmen from Misrata. The video was released following
clashes between the Islamic State and the Misratan 166 Brigade.
PHOTO 6 - IS THREATENS MISRATAN POLITICIANS
An Nawfaliyah – On 18 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania carried out a surprise
attack on members of Battalion 166. According to reports from social media, the Islamic
State first distracted sleeping soldiers, then murdered them with suppressed weapons.iv The
Associated Press reports that 10 members of the 166 Brigade were killed.v
Sirte – On 17 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released 20 foreign medical
workers they had kidnapped one day prior in Sirte. According to Reuters, IS militants told
the medical staff that they would remain safe as long as they treated any wounded fighters.vi
Derna – On 16 March 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released photos showing their
most recent hisba activities in Derna.vii IS militants were photographed collecting and
destroying water pipes.
17
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 7 - IS MILITANTS DESTROY WATER PIPES IN DERNA
Sirte – On 16 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released a video showing the
destruction of Sufi tombs in Sirte.viii According to reports from social media, the man who
appears in the first half of the video is named Hussein Al-Karamy.ix Prior to his appearances
in Sirte, Al-Karamy was photographed in Derna.x
PHOTO 8 - IS MILITANTS DESTROY SUFI TOMBS
Sirte – On 16 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released images armed vehicles
that were destroyed in the armed clashes against Battalion 166 in and around Sirte.xi
18
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 9 - BATTALION 166 VEHICLE DESTROYED BY THE IS
Sirte – On 15 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released photos showing its
troops patrolling the streets of Sirte.xii
PHOTO 10 - IS CHECKPOINT IN SIRTE
Sirte/Harawa – On 15 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania eulogized the recently
deceased Ahmed Al-Rwaisy.xiii Known also as Abu Zakaria al-Tunisi, Al-Rwaisy was killed
during clashes between the Islamic State and Battalion 166. According to the New York
Times, Al-Rwaisy was the mastermind behind the assassination of Tunisian politicians
19
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Chokri Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi.xiv Prior to joining the Islamic State, Al-Rwaisy helped
lead Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia.
PHOTO 11 - ABU ZAKARIA AL-TUNISI MEMORIALIZED BY IS
Misrata – On 15 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania carried out VBIED attacks on
the barracks of Battalion 166 and an unknown target in the Qasr Ahmed neighborhood of
Misrata.xv According to reports from social media, the VBIED attack on Battalion 166’s
barracks was carried out remotely.xvi
Tripoli – On 15 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania carried out a VBIED attack on
a security headquarters in the Janzour district of Tripoli. According to Reuters, five
policemen were injured and another was killed.xvii
20
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 12 - IS VBIED IN TRIPOLI CRITICALLY INJURES POLICEMEN
Week of 8 March 2015
Sirte/Harawa – On 14 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania engaged in armed
clashes with pro-GNC Battalion 166 – a contributor to Operation Sunrise. Battles took place
outside of Sirte in the western area known as Daheera and the eastern city of Harawa.
According to Reuters, 17 Islamic State fighters were killed, while others were taken back to
Misrata for questioning.xviii
Ras Al-Hilal – On 14 March 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica posted photos of militants
operating in the vicinity of Ras Al-Hilal, Libya.xix In the past, extremist militias like Ansar al-
Sharia used Ras Al-Hilal as a staging ground for their GRAD missile attacks against Labraq
International Airport.
21
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 13 - IS MILITANTS OPERATING IN RAS AL-HILAL
Derna – On 12 March 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a set of photos titled,
"Missionary Tour in Derna." The photos show citizens of Derna carrying out every-day
activities under the protection of the Islamic State.xx
PHOTO 14 - IS ACTIVITIES IN DERNA
Unspecified – On 12 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released a video in
which a man speaking Tebu calls for more Toubou tribesmen to join.xxi This was the first
time the Islamic State in Libya released a video in the Tebu language.
22
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 15 - IS MILITANT CALLS FOR MORE TOUBOU TO JOIN
Tripoli – On 12 March 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania carried out a VBIED attack on
the Dahmani Police Station in the Zawiyat Dahmani neighborhood.xxii
PHOTO 16 - IS CARRIES OUT VBIED ATTACK IN TRIPOLI
Benghazi – On 11 March 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a set of photos
promoting their military activities throughout Benghazi. IS militants are photographed using
81mm mortars, 120mm mortars, and a 155mm howitzer. xxiii
23
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 17 - IS MILITANTS USE 155MM HOWITZERS
Week of 1 March 2015
Ghani Oilfield – On 6 March 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica carried out an attack on
the Ghani Oilfield in central Libya, killing 11 guards and kidnapping at least 10 foreigners.
Reports suggest that seven guards were beheadedxxiv, while another three foreign workers
remain unaccounted for.xxv
Derna – On 5 March 2015, The Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a video a member of the
Shahhat Security Directorate and a Colonel in the Al Jaweifi Brigade were executed at
pointblank.xxvi While the video does feature the Islamic State’s black standard and a
“nasheed”, it does not contain extensive post-production work like many other IS videos.
24
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 18 - IS EXECUTES TWO LIBYAN ARMY MEMBERS
Benghazi – On 5 March 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a video showing their
recent activity in Benghazi. The video begins with an Egyptian man calling for youth around
the world to join the jihad in Libya. The video ends with Islamic State militants carrying out
drive-by shootings on civilians whom they call “sahawat”, or supporters of the Libyan
Army.xxvii
PHOTO 19 - IS CARRIES OUT DRIVE-BY SHOOTING IN BENGHAZI
25
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Derna – On 3 March 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a set of photos showing
residents of Derna pledging allegiance to the Islamic State. The outdoor event appears to
have gathered hundreds of attendants.xxviii
PHOTO 20 - IS EVENT IN DERNA GATHERS HUNDREDS OF ATTENDANTS
Mabruk Oilfield – On 2 March 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica carried out
coordinated attacks on the Mabruk, Bahi, and Dahra oilfields in central Libya.xxix Islamic
State militants shelled the oilfields, engaged in armed clashes, and subsequently captured at
least two of the three oilfields.xxx
The Islamic State also carried out an attack on the Mabruk Oilfield on in early February
2015, which left at least 12 dead.
Benghazi – On 2 March 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a video showing a
VBIED attack carried out in Benghazi.xxxi The attack was carried out by a foreign fighter –
most likely a man from Tunisia.
26
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 21 - TUNISIAN FOREIGN FIGHTER CARRIES OUT
SUICIDE BOMBING IN BENGHAZI
Week of 22 February 2015
Benghazi – On 28 February 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a video calling for
foreign fighters to come to Libya.xxxii The video was recorded in the Leithi neighborhood of
Benghazi – an Ansar al-Sharia stronghold. The promotional video concludes with a drive-by
assassination. According to reports from social media, the man assassinated is Saiqa Special
Forces member Ibrahim Mitri.xxxiii
PHOTO 22 - IS MILITANTS CALL FOR FOREIGN FIGHTERS IN BENGHAZI
27
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Unspecified – On 27 February 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released a video
named, “A Message to the Brothers in Tawheed.” In the video, a non-Libyan man calls for
foreign fighters to come to Libya and fight against General Khalifa Haftar.xxxiv
PHOTO 23 - IS MILITANT CALLS FOR FOREIGN FIGHTERS IN TRIPOLITANIA
Unspecified – On 24 February 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released a
promotional video of the two foreigners involved in the attack on the Corinthia Hotel in
Tripoli.xxxv According to SITE Intel Group, the video is titled, “Convoys of the Martyrdom-
Seekers” and is the first of more to come.xxxvi
PHOTO 24 - IS FOREIGN FIGHTER DELIVERS SPEECH PRIOR TO CORINTHIA ATTACK
28
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Benghazi – On 23 February 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a set of photos
displaying their recent military action throughout Benghazi.xxxvii
PHOTO 25 - A MEMBER OF THE ISLAMIC STATE ENGAGES IN BATTLE
Tripoli – On 22 February 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania claimed responsibility for
the double-IED attack on the Iranian Embassy in the Ben Ashour neighborhood of
Tripoli.xxxviii
Week of 15 February 2015
Al-Qubbah – On 20 February 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica carried out at least two
simultaneous VBIED attacks in the eastern city of Al-Qubbah. In their official statement, the
Islamc State called the VBIED attacks revenge for the recent Egyptian airstrikes carried out
in the eastern city of Derna.xxxix The attacks targeted the local Security Directorate building,
the house of Speaker of the House Agila Saleh Issa, and a nearby fuel station. At least 45
people were killed as a result. According to The National, the attacks were carried out Bitar
Al Libi and Abu Abdullah Al Jazrawi.xl
29
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 26 - BITAR AL LIBI AND ABU ABDULLAH AL JAZRAWI PRIOR TO THE VBIED
ATTACKS
Unspecified – On 19 February 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a set of photos
showing the distribution of medical aide somewhere in eastern Libya.xli
Derna – On 18 February 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica carried out Hisba
(accountability) activities by burning instruments in Derna.xlii
PHOTO 27 - IS CARRYING OUT BURNING INSTRUMENTS IN DERNA
30
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Sirte – On 18 February 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released a set of photos
showing off a parade they held in the city of Sirte.xliii A video later appeared on YouTube in
which at least 25 IS trucks can be seen.xliv
Unspecified – On 17 February 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released photos of their
recent activities in eastern Libya. This most recent release shows boxes of cigarettes being
destroyed by men wearing black masks and driving what appear to be newly acquired police
vehicles.xlv
Sirte – On 15 February 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released a video confirming
the beheadings of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians.xlvi The video was released by the Islamic
State’s Al-Hayat media division.xlvii According to the Washington Post:
“In the video, Islamic State fighters marched the Egyptians onto a stretch of coastline
before forcing them to kneel and severing their heads. The brutal murders were
portrayed as retaliation against what a masked fighter described as “the hostile
Egyptian church.”xlviii
Later reporting indicates that a large portion of ISIS members in Sirte are from Misrata.xlix
PHOTO 28 - IS IN TRIPOLITANIA BEHEADS EGYPTIANS
31
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Week of 8 February 2015
Sarir Oilfield – On 14 February 2015, El Sarir oilfield in southern Libya was attacked by
unnamed perpetrators. The Sarir oilfield provides crude oil to the Hariga port in Tobruk,
Libya.l Although unconfirmed, a Twitter account linked to IS in Libya posted pictures of a
vehicle approaching an oilfield in Libya.li
Benghazi – On 13 February 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a set of photos
that appear to confirm their involvement in the VBIED attack on 6 February 2015.lii
PHOTO 29 - COLLAGE GLORIFYING AN IS SUICIDE BOMBER IN BENGHAZI
Derna – On 13 February 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released photos of their most
recent floggings carried out in Derna. In this instance, at least seven youths were publically
flogged for consuming alcohol.liii
32
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 30 - YOUTH PUBLICALLY FLOGGED IN DERNA
Sirte – On 13 February 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released a set of photos in
which they claim to have received the repentance of 42 employees of the Ministry of Interior
in Sirte.liv
PHOTO 31 - IS FORCES MAN TO OFFICIALLY REPENT
Sirte – On 13 February 2015, in addition to capturing a number of radio stations, the
Islamic State in Tripolitania seized the Ibn Sina Hospital in Sirte. According to the Libya
33
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Herald, “A military convoy carrying IS flags reportedly surrounded the hospital this morning
and ordered Misrata-based Central Libya Shield which has been providing security there to
leave.”lv
Sirte – On 13 February 2015, gunmen claiming to be members of the Islamic State jihadist
group have seized control of a state-run radio station in Libya's coastal city of Sirte, residents
said on Friday.lvi
Jihadist websites also posted pictures showing armed men sitting in front of microphones in
a broadcasting studio and brandishing Kalashnikov assault rifles.lvii
PHOTO 32 - IS TAKES OVER RADIO STATION IN SIRTE
Unspecified – On 12 February 2015, ISIS released the newest edition of its Dabiq
magazine. The following is a passage taken from the magazine in which the recently
kidnapped Egyptians in Libya are referenced:
“This month, the soldiers of the Khilāfah in Wilāyat Tarābulus captured 21 Coptic crusaders, almost
five years after the blessed operation against the Baghdad church executed in revenge for Kamilia
Shehata, Wafa Constantine, and other sisters who were tortured and murdered by the Coptic Church
of Egypt. The operation was planned by Hudhayfah al-Battāwī (rahimahullāh), wālī of Wilāyat
Baghdad at the time, alongside the senior military commander, Abū Ibrāhīm azZaydī (rahimahullāh),
34
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
both of whom played a crucial role – through their passion and zealousness – in preserving the morale
of the Islamic State mujāhidīn after the martyrdom of Abū ‘Umar al-Baghdādī and Abū Hamzah al-
Muhājir (rahimahumallāh).”lviii
Benghazi – On 11 February 2015, the hospital of Benghazi received, “40 human heads with
no bodies” after a training camp in the Buatni Neighborhood was recaptured by the Libyan
National Army. The training camp was previously occupied by the Shura Council of Benghazi
Revolutionaries.lix
Unspecified – On 10 February 2015, the Islamic State released a statement calling for
Operation Libya Dawn fighters to repent to God.lx
An Nawfaliyah – On 9 February 2015, the Islamic State was photographed arriving in An
Nawfaliyah, a city located southwest of Bin Jawad.lxi Initials reports suggest that there were
clashes between Libya Dawn forces and ISIS forces.lxii
Week of 1 February 2015
Benghazi – On 7 February 2015, a Palestinian man was reported to have died fighting for
the Islamic State in Libya.lxiii
According to SkyNews Arabia, the man entered Libya via a tunnel somewhere along the
Egyptian border.lxiv
Benghazi – On 6 February 2015, two people were killed and 20 were injured after a car
bomb exploded in the Al Leithi Neighborhood of Benghazi.lxv lxvi
Mabruk Oilfield – On 4 February 2015, reports emerged stating that “extremists” attacked
the Mabruk Oilfield, approximately 170km south of Sirte.lxvii The Mabruk Oilfield is operated
by Total Oil and produces roughly 70,000 bbl/d.lxviii
35
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Initial reports suggested that three foreigners were kidnapped, one of whom was French.
France denied that any French citizens were kidnapped, while the Philippines confirmed that
three of their oversea foreign workers went missing.lxix Twelve people will killed overall.
Ain Marah - On 4 February 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a set of photos
showings its recent troop activity in Ain Marah.
The photos were released just days after clashes occurred between Islamic State forces and
Libyan National Army Forces.lxx
Unspecified - On 4 February 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released a set of photos
showing their recent promotional activities somewhere in their self-declared state.
Many of the photos in this release show attendants enjoying themselves at IS-led events.lxxi
Unspecified - On 4 February 2015, a Twitter account associated with the Islamic State in
Libya tweeted:
[W]e the #Mujahideen of #IslamicState in #Libya ask #Muslims in #Tunisia,
#Algeria #Morroco what are u waiting for Join #Ummah #Muhammad!lxxii
Tripoli – On 3 February 2015, the Information Office of the Islamic State in Tripolitania
released photos claiming an attack on a checkpoint in Tripoli’s Souq al-Jumaa.lxxiii
According to the Libya Herald, the bomb detonated near a building used by the Tripoli
Revolutionaries’ Brigade.lxxiv Although unconfirmed, the Herald and Al Wasat suggest that
the attack was revenge for the Brigade’s involvement during the attack on the Corinthia
Hotel.lxxv
36
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 33 - PHOTOS OF AN IS VBIED ATTACK ON THE TRIPOLI SECURITY
DIRECTORATE
Sirte – According to reports from social media, the Islamic State in Tripolitania turned
Qadhafi's Ouagadougou Conference Center in Sirte into a “command center.”lxxvi
Week of 25 January 2015
Benghazi - On 29 January 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a set of updated
photos of its recent troop activity throughout Benghazi.lxxvii
Benghazi - On 28 January 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a set of updated
photos of its recent activity throughout Benghazi.
This set of photos does not show any fighters, but instead displays the effects of the fighting
in the city. Many of the photographed buildings are riddled with bullet holes and are overall
dilapidated.lxxviii
Sirte - On 28 January 2015, the Information Office of the Islamic State in Tripolitania
released photos showing new members in Sirte swearing allegiance to the Islamic State.
According to the Islamic State, the men shown in the photographs are recent Christian
converts.lxxix
37
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 34 - CONVERTS OF THE ISLAMIC STATE
Tripoli – On 27 January at approximately 0953 (UDT +2) a VBIED detonated outside of
Tripoli’s Corinthia Hotel. No casualties were reported as a result of the explosion.
Immediately following the blast five gunmen entered the hotel and engaged in a shootout
with local security, leaving at least three guards dead. Witnesses claim that three other hotel
staff members were injured. The Associated Press reported that the gunmen had taken three
to five hostages on the hotel’s twentieth floor.lxxx
According to the BBC’s Rana Jawad, security officials of the Corinthia Hotel have been aware
of possible threats for several days.lxxxi A tweet posted by an account linked to the Islamic
State in Tripolitania claims that the attack was revenge for the death of Abu Anas al-Libi.lxxxii
The user claims that the attack was directed at the Corinthia Hotel because of its popularity
among foreigners. However, hotel staff have stated that the hotel was “approximately 90%
empty.” A security guard told the Associated Press that Omar al-Hassi usually stays at the
hotel with security guards, but that they were not present at the time of the bombing and
subsequent attack.
Twitter users began posting images that allegedly show some of the gunmen who
participated in the attack on the hotel.lxxxiii
The attack on the Corinthia Hotel left at least nine dead.
38
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Benghazi - On 26 January 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released a set of photos of
its recent troop activity in the Buhidima Neighborhood of Benghazi.
IS troops can be seen climbing houses, viewing videos, and firing upon their opponents.lxxxiv
Week of 18 January 2015
Benghazi - On 20 January 2015, IS in Cyrenaica released photos of the distribution of aid in
what they allege to be Benghazi.lxxxv
PHOTO 35 - IS PASSES OUT SWEETS TO CHILDREN
Unspecified - On 20 January 2015, the Islamic State in Libya released an open letter to
Sheikh Abdullah and Sheikh Mamoon.lxxxvi
Unspecified - On 20 January 2015, IS in Cyrenaica released a statement showing their
most recent Hisba activities in eastern Libya.lxxxvii
Benghazi – On 18 January 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released photos showing
their most recent military activity in Benghazi.lxxxviii
Unspecified - On 18 January 2015, The Islamic State in Libya released a statement dividing
Libya into three distinct regions. The statement also calls for foreign members of the Islamic
State to travel to Libya.lxxxix
39
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 36 - IS DIVISION OF LIBYA – TARABULUS, FEZZAN, AND BARQA
Week of 11 January 2015
Tripoli – On 17 January a VBIED exploded Saturday in front of the Embassy of Algeria in
Tripoli, injuring two security personnel.
According to a Libyan security source, the two injured workers, whose condition is not
alarming, were quickly transported to the hospital of the capital.xc
Sabratha - On 17 January 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released photos showing
members distributing clothing and financial aid.xci
Sirte - On 12 January 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania claimed responsibility for the
kidnapping of 21 Christians.xcii According to The Telegraph:
“On January 3rd, Christian activists in Egypt had reported thirteen of their countrymen
kidnapped in the Libyan town of Sirte, and that seven others had been kidnapped a week
earlier.”xciii
40
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 37 - PHOTOS OF THE KIDNAPPED EGYPTIANS
Sabratha - On 11 January 2015, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released photos allegedly
showing their Hisba activities somewhere in western Libya. The photos were most likely
taken in Sabratha.xciv
Week of 4 January 2015
Unspecified - On 8 January 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released photos allegedly
showing the execution of two Tunisian journalists.xcv
PHOTO 38 - TUNISIANS ALLEGEDLY EXECUTED BY IS IN LIBYA
Benghazi – On 7 January 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released photos of recent
troop activity throughout Benghazi.xcvi
41
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Unspecified – On 4 January 2015, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica released photos showing
the execution of a man they labeled as an apostate.xcvii
PHOTO 39 - "APOSTATE" EXECUTED BY THE IS
Week of 28 December 2014
Benghazi – On 3 January 2014, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica posted photos of their recent
destruction to civilian homes throughout Benghazi.
This set of photos contains a photograph showing a civilian who died as a result of the
bulldozing.xcviii
Sokhna – On 3 January 2014, the Islamic State in Fezzan claimed responsibilityxcix for an
attack on a Sokhna checkpoint in southern Libya.c
According to the Libya Herald, nineteen people were killed in the attack.ci
42
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 40 - IS IN FEZZAN ATTACKS SOKHNA
Tobruk – On 30 December at approximately 1315 (UDT +2) an explosion occurred outside
the headquarters of the House of Representatives.cii At the time the House of Representatives
met in the Dar Al Salam hotel. According to the spokesman for the General Chief of Staff,
Ahmed Al-Mismari, the vehicle exploded in the hotel car park and was not a suicide attack as
initially suggested.ciii The most current reports state that a total of 19 people were injured as a
result of the explosion.civ
Week of 21 December 2014
Tripoli – According to multiple sources, a VBIED detonated outside of the Diplomatic
Security Headquarters in Tripoli on the morning of 27 December. cvThe Diplomatic Security
Headquarters is located in the Sidi al-Masry district of Tripoli.cvi
The jihadist Islamic State (IS) organisation said it carried out the bombing, according to the
US-based monitoring group SITE Intelligence.
"The provincial division of the Islamic State (IS) for Tripoli, Libya, claimed a car bombing at
the diplomatic security building in the capital, and provided a photo of the blast," SITE
said.cvii
43
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Ajdabiya – On 26 December 2014, a perfume company was damaged by a VBIED early
Friday morning in Ajdabiya. There were no reported casualties.cviii
Benghazi – On 25 December 2015, an Al Wasat article reported that IS in Cyrenaica
published a video in which an "apostate" is burned alive. The video supposedly takes place in
the Al Leithi Neighborhood of Benghazi. The group claiming responsibility is led by
Mohammed Nus Idrissi. Idrissi was recently released by Jordanian authorities in exchange
for captured Jordanian diplomats.cix
PHOTO 41 - A LIBYAN ARMY MEMBER BURNED BY ISIS
Week of 14 December 2014
Tripoli - At approximately 1200 (UDT +2) on 16 December 2014 social media users began
circulating a photo alleging to show a car bomb that exploded near the Security Directorate
Headquarters in Tripoli. According to accounts from social media no casualties were
reported.cx On 17 December 2014, the original source claimed that ISIS claimed
responsibility for the car bomb via a Twitter page.cxi
Ajdabiya - On 15 December 2014, a military police building near the eastern gate entrance
to Ajdabiya was targeted and subsequently damaged by an explosive device. Witnesses said
that an explosive device was placed under one of the building’s windows and caused damage
to the building while injuring no one.cxii
44
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Week of 7 December 2014
Benghazi – On 8 December 2014, the Islamic State in Cyrenaica posed photos allegedly
showing their military progress throughout Benghazi.cxiii
Week of 30 November 2014
Ajdabiya - At approximately 1125 (UDT +2) on 1 December 2014, a car bomb exploded
outside the Ajdabiya Security Directorate.cxiv The security directorate is located near the
Ajdabiya city center on al-Modoryia Road.cxv Initial reports suggest that three to seven people
were wounded.cxvi Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle that exploded was a white
Hyundai.cxvii
Week of 23 November 2014
Unspecified - The Islamic State (IS) released the fifth issue of its English magazine
“Dabiq,” focusing on the coordinated pledges from jihadi groups in Algeria, Libya, Sinai,
Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, and featuring a message attributed to British captive John Cantile
discussing the recent attacks in Australia, Canada, and the U.S., as well as musing what he
would do as American President.
In the newest edition, ISIS claims Libya has its strongest presence outside of Iraq and Syria.
It continues to state that “an abundance of arms and the condition of mayhem after Gaddafi
was ideal for jihad.”cxviii
Derna – On 23 November 2014, The Islamic Army, a militia in Derna, released photos of its
recent publicity campaign in Derna. Photos show groups of children meeting with Islamic
Army members. In addition, Islamic Army members passed out pamphlets to young men in
Derna’s vegetable market. The photos are similar to those released by ISIS members
conducting “charity” campaigns in Iraq and Syria.
The Islamic Army is one of the strongest militias present in Derna. Last week they were
among many foreign groups from across the Middle East to pledge allegiance to ISIS and
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The ISIS magazine Dabiq claims its strongest foreign following is in
Derna.cxix
45
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Week of 16 November 2014
Yemen – On 22 November 2014, a statement was released by spokesmen for Al-Qaida in
the Arabian Peninsula has acknowledged Libyan extremists in Derna pledge to ISIS and its
leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi.
The statement also called for all Libyan “Mujahideen” such as Ansar al-Sharia in Benghazi to
pledge their support for ISIS and Abu Bakr al Baghdadi.cxx
Benghazi – On 16 November 2014, the Islamic State in Libya has released photos of nine
suicide bombers who died in Benghazi. According to the photos, five were Tunisian, two were
Egyptian, and two were Libyans.cxxi
The Islamic State in Cyrenaica also released a statement taking credit for the series of VBIED
attacks on 12 November 2014cxxii, men pledging allegiance to the IScxxiii, and photos of a
convoy in Derna.cxxiv
PHOTO 42 - IS CONVOY NEAR DERNA
Tripoli - A group in Tripoli claimed responsibility for the bombings of the UAE and
Egyptian embassies.cxxv The group also posted photos declaring their allegiance to the Islamic
State.cxxvi cxxvii
46
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Week of 9 November 2014
Tripoli - At approximately 06:45 (UDT +2) on 13 November 2014, two car bombs exploded
near the Egyptian and UAE embassies in the Al-Seyaheyya and Zawiyat Al-Dahmani
neighborhoods of Tripoli.cxxviii No casualties have been reported, though photoscxxix show
significant damage to vehicles and buildings near the embassies. Both embassies have been
vacant since the inception of Operation Libya Dawn.cxxx
Marj - On 13 November 2014, two Libyan National Army (LNA) soldiers and one other were
slightly injured as a result of a bomb attack on a checkpoint in Marj.cxxxi
Mohamed Hejazi, a spokesman for Operation Dignity, told the Libya Herald that a gelatina
bomb had been thrown at the checkpoint at the Saha Al-Karima roundabout, close to the
town’s main Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq mosque.cxxxii The car from which the bomb was thrown then
drove away at speed.cxxxiii
Ajdabiya – On 12 November 2014, a car bomb was discovered in Ajdabiya and subsequently
dismantled by the Libyan National Army.cxxxiv
Al Bayda - At approximately 11:57 (UDT +2) on 12 November 2014, a vehicle carrying
explosives detonated at the military checkpoint outside Labraq International Airport.cxxxv
Eyewitnesses report that after stopping to be searched by security officials, the driver of the
vehicle detonated explosives. Current reports state that four members of the military have
been confirmed killed.cxxxvi
Benghazi - At approximately 12:07 (UDT
+2) on 12 November 2014, Twitter users
reported the detonation of a car bomb
outside of the Al Shalal cafe, located in the Al
Majuri neighborhood in central Benghazi.
Eye witnesses report that a vehicle loaded
with explosives was parked on the street
outside the café. Reports indicate that there
were no casualties as a result of the bombing,
however the café and surrounding shops were destroyed. No indication if the café was the
PHOTO 43 - VBIED IN BENGHAZI
47
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
intended target, neighborhoods in central Benghazi have been mostly abandoned due to
continued fighting.cxxxvii
At approximately 17:01 (UDT +2) another car bomb was discovered in the Ras Obeida
neighborhood of Benghazi.cxxxviii
Tobruk - At approximately 11:00 (UDT +2) on 12 November 2014, a large car bomb
exploded at a crowded intersection, near the Intelligence Headquarters, in Tobruk. Eye
witnesses report the driver of the vehicle refused to stop at a military checkpoint, continuing
on to a crowded intersection.cxxxix
At approximately, 11:40 (UDT +2) vehicles damaged by the initial blast exploded at the site
of the car bombing. Initial reports suggested a second vehicle was involved in the attack,
however later reports proved that there was not a second vehicle involved.cxl
Final reports confirm two people have been killed and at least an additional 20 had been
taken for medical treatment.cxli
Derna – On 11 November 2014, three young activists were found beheaded in Derna,
eastern Libya. The three, who had relayed information about the city through social media,
had been kidnapped earlier in the month. The activists have been named as Siraj Ghatish,
Mohamed Battu and Mohamed al-Mesmari.cxlii
Two of the three activists in Derna had been kidnapped three months earlier.cxliii
Benghazi – On 11 November 2014, a Libyan Army soldier stationed at Benina Airport was
captured, forced to appear on videocxliv, and then beheaded.cxlv According to Al Wasat, the
group responsible calls itself the “Father of Injustice Battalion”.cxlvi
48
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 44 - SOLDIER BEHEADED IN BENGHAZI
Shahat – On 9 November 2014, unidentified persons set off three car bombs in the city of
Shahat in eastern Libya near the building where the Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al-
Thinni held talks with special UN envoy to Libya Bernardino Leon. cxlvii Eye witnesses
claimed the perpetrators parked vehicle packed with explosives and detonated them
remotely. Though there was significant material damage, no deaths or injuries were
reported. The intended target was the Security Directorate Building.cxlviii
Days later two suspects from Derna were arrested in connection to the car bombings.cxlix
Week of 2 November 2014
Sirte – On 4 November 2014, the Islamic State in Tripolitania released photos of lectures
given by Turki al-Bin’ali.cl
The original release also contains links to Turki al-Bin’ali’s lectures on YouTube.cli
Week of 19 October 2014
Derna - After pledging allegiance to ISIS, Darnah's Islamic Youth Shura Council (MSSI)clii
launched an 'Islamic Court'.cliii The group announced that its leader is a Yemeni named Abu
Taleb al-Jazrawey.cliv According to Al Wasat, Al-Jazrawey moved to Derna in mid-September
with a number of senior ISIS members.clv
49
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 45 - MSSI LAUNCHES ISLAMIC COURT IN DERNA
Week of 5 October 2014
Benghazi – On 10 October 2014, a car bomb exploded near the Tibesti Hotel, killing one
and injuring two others.clvi
Week of 7 September 2014
Benghazi – On 12 September 2014, Tareq Ramadan Misrati was killed by an IED in the Al
Majori Neighborhood of Benghazi. Tareq Misrati was the brother of former intelligence
officer Colonel Juma Misrati who was assassinated in June 2013.clvii
Week of 17 August 2014
Derna – Released on 20 August 2014, a video shows an execution-style killing by an armed
group at a football stadium in eastern Libya. clviiiAn amateur video published on social media
sites shows the purported execution of an Egyptian man apparently organized by an armed
group called the Shura Council of Islamic Youth in the eastern city of Derna.clix
50
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 46 - PUBLIC EXECUTION IN DERNA
Week of 20 July 2014
Benghazi – On 21 July 2014, a militia in Benghazi beheaded a Filipino construction worker,
allegedly for being a non-Muslim.
The beheading marks the first Filipino death in Libya since the 2011 revolution, according to
the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. It is also the first reported beheading in the
country since 2011. The construction worker was kidnapped July 15 at a checkpoint in the
Gwarsha district of Benghazi.
A department spokesperson told media that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of
$160,000. clx
Week of 15 June 2014
Benghazi – On 19 June 2014, a bodyguard for former National Transitional chairman
Mustafa Abdul-Jalil was killed by an IED.clxi
Week of 16 March 2014
Benghazi – On 17 March 2014, a car bomb targeting a military academy in Benghazi killed
eight soldiers and wounded another 12.clxii
51
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Locations of ISIS and Affiliates’ Activites
MAP 5 - LOCATIONS OF MAJOR IS ACTIVITIES FROM WEST TO EAST: SABRATHA, TRIPOLI, SUKNAH,
SIRTE, AN NAWFALIYAH, BENGHAZI, DERNA.
52
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Photos of ISIS and Affiliates’ Activities
PHOTO 47 - THE BEHEADING OF A LIBYAN ARMY SOLDIER BY IS
PHOTO 48 - THE CORPSE OF A LIBYAN ARMY SOLDIER BURNED BY IS
53
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 49 - PHOTOS RELEASED BY IS AFTER A VBIED EXPLOSION
OUTSIDE THE TRIPOLI SECURITY DIRECTORATE
PHOTO 50 - THE DESTRUCTION OF TOMBS BY IS
54
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 51 - THE DESTRUCTION OF A STATUE IN DERNA BY IS
PHOTO 52 - COMMANDERS OF IS AFFILIATES IN BENGHAZI. FROM RIGHT
TO LEFT - MOHAMMED AL-ZAHAWI (ANSAR AL-SHARIA), WISSAM BIN
HUMAID (LIBYA SHIELD ONE), AND JALAL MAKHZOUM (RAFALLAH AL-SAHATI BRIGADE)
55
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 53 - IS AFFILIATES FIGHTING THE LIBYAN NATIONAL ARMY IN
AIN MARAH
PHOTO 54 - IS FIGHTERS IN BENGHAZI
56
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 55 - IS FIGHTERS IN AIN MARAH
PHOTO 56 - AN IS FIGHTER PLANTING A FLAG OVER IS CONTROLLED
TERRITORY IN BENGHAZI
57
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 57 - A BANNER IN BENGHAZI DECLARING IS'S OBJECTIVE TO
ESTABLISH SHARIA LAW ACROSS LIBYA
PHOTO 58 - A CONVOY OF NEW IS HISBA (MORALITY POLICE) VEHICLES
IN BENGHAZI
58
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 59 - A CONVOY OF IS FIGHTERS AND VEHICLES IN DERNA
PHOTO 60 - A RALLY AMONG FIGHTERS AND RESIDENTS IN DERNA
59
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 61 - AN AFRICAN CHRISTIAN CONVERTING TO ISLAM AND
PLEDGING ALLEGIANCE TO IS IN SIRTE
PHOTO 62 - A RALLY OF YOUNG MEN PLEDGING ALLEGIANCE TO IS IN
SIRTE
60
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
PHOTO 63 - AN IS FIGHTER GIVING DAWA (CHARITY) TO A CHILD IN
DERNA
PHOTO 64 - A CHILD IN DERNA SHOWING SUPPORT FOR IS
61
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
Endnotes
i Roggio, Bill. 2015. 'Ansar Al Sharia In Libya Releases Photos Of Graduates From Its ‘Mujahideen Training Camps’ | The Long War Journal'. Longwarjournal.Org. Accessed March 19 2015. http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/03/ansar-al-sharia-in-libya-releases-photos-of-graduates-from-its-mujahideen-training-camps.php. ii Nasher.me,. 2015. ' كلمة للشيخ المجاهد أبومحمد الفرجاني , عن غدر مرتدي كتيبة 166 بجنود الدوله اإلسالمية في سرت – والية ./Accessed March 19 2015. http://nasher.me/kalema1 .'طرابلس | ناشر iii بوابة الوسط,. 2015. 'العثور على رأس سائق في منطقة الفتائح جنوب شرق درنة'. Accessed March 19 2015. http://www.alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/66437/. iv Twitter,. 2015. 'James Wheeler On Twitter'. Accessed March 19 2015. https://twitter.com/wheelertweets/status/578364699798081536. v News, ABC. 2015. 'IS In Libya Kills 12 Fighters Loyal To Tripoli Government'. ABC News. Accessed March 19 2015. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/libya-clash-islamic-state-militants-kills-10-troops-29719012. vi Greg Botelho and Ayman Kekly, CNN. 2015. 'Official: ISIS Attacks Libyan Hospital, Kidnaps -- Then Frees -- 20 Foreigners - CNN.Com'. CNN. Accessed March 19 2015. http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/17/world/isis-libya-kidnapped-medical-workers/index.html. vii Nasher.me,. 2015. 'ضمن نشاطات رجال الحسبة “إتالف ممنوعات مصادرة من المقاهي” | ناشر'. Accessed March 17 2015. http://nasher.me/hisba8/. viii Facebook.com,. 2015. 'Facebook'. Accessed March 17 2015. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=913349838716944&set=vb.894756380576290&type=2&theater. ix Twitter,. 2015. 'Themaghrebinote On Twitter'. Accessed March 17 2015. https://twitter.com/MaghrebiNote/status/577596591462309889. x Twitter,. 2015. 'Themaghrebinote On Twitter'. Accessed March 17 2015. https://twitter.com/MaghrebiNote/status/577596790272311296. xi Twitter,. 2015. 'Matog Saleh On Twitter'. Accessed March 16 2015. https://twitter.com/MatogSaleh/status/577373796815917056. xii Twitter,. 2015. '3 Thinker On Twitter'. Accessed March 16 2015. https://twitter.com/GLA_____/status/577349563461214209. xiii Twitter,. 2015. 'James Wheeler On Twitter'. Accessed March 16 2015. https://twitter.com/wheelertweets/status/577325795154198528. xiv Press, The. 2015. 'Islamic State Group Reports Tunisian Leader Killed In Libya'. Nytimes.Com. Accessed March 19 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/03/17/world/middleeast/ap-ml-libya-islamic-state.html. xv Twitter,. 2015. 'Libya Al Hurra On Twitter'. Accessed March 16 2015. https://twitter.com/LibyaAlHurraTV/status/577293959812222977. xvi Twitter,. 2015. 'James Wheeler On Twitter'. Accessed March 16 2015. https://twitter.com/wheelertweets/status/577264171424870400. xvii In.reuters.com,. 2015. 'Islamic State Militants Claim Attack On Security Building In Libya's Capital'. Accessed March 16 2015. http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/03/15/libya-security-idINL6N0WH0WT20150315.
62
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
xviii Reuters,. 2015. 'UPDATE 1-Islamic State Fighters And Force Allied With Tripoli Clash In Central Libya'. Accessed March 16 2015. http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/14/libya-security-idUSL6N0WG0QP20150314 xix Nasher.me,. 2015. 'صور من خط الرباط “الرباط في الجهة الغربية من مدينة درنة – منطقة رأس الهالل” | ناشر'. Accessed March 16 2015. http://nasher.me/raashelal/. xx Nasher.me,. 2015. 'ضمن نشاطات المكتب الدعوي “جولة دعوية في مدينة درنة” | ناشر'. Accessed March 16 2015. http://nasher.me/jawla-darna/. xxi MediaFire,. 2015. '2 رسالة إلى إخوة التوحيد.Mp4'. Accessed March 16 2015. http://www.mediafire.com/watch/jbswk71i8x4bq12/%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A9_%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89_%D8%A5%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%AF_2.mp4 xxii Twitter,. 2015. 'Good Morning Libya On Twitter'. Accessed March 12 2015. https://twitter.com/Morning_LY/status/575946130929876992. xxiii Nasher.me,. 2015. ' ضمن مالحم الخالفة في بنغازي ]دك معاقل الصحوات وجند الطاغوت في منطقة المساكن بقنابر الهاون ./Accessed March 12 2015. http://nasher.me/haw-zer .'والهاوزر[ | ناشر xxiv Twitter,. 2015. '10 الغريب الليبي On Twitter'. Accessed March 8 2015. https://twitter.com/ramk00012/status/574436417490849792 xxv Nytimes.com,. 2015. 'Foreign Workers Missing After Militants Attack Libyan Oil Field'. Accessed March 8 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/08/world/foreign-workers-missing-after-militants-attack-libyan-oil-field.html. xxvi YouTube,. 2015. '1جاهز'. Accessed March 5 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxLRvE8Vykk&t=14. xxvii Twitter,. 2015. 'عبدالحميد القصيمي On Twitter'. Accessed March 5 2015. https://twitter.com/abdulhameed_91/status/573368323754340352. xxviii Nasher.me,. 2015. 'إقامة ملتقى دعوي في مدينة درنة | ناشر'. Accessed March 5 2015. http://nasher.me/moltaqa-darna/. xxix Af.reuters.com,. 2015. ' UPDATE 1-Islamist Militants Shell Two Libyan Oilfields, Port Pipeline Damaged | News By Country | Reuters '. Accessed March 4 2015. http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5N0W451A20150302 xxx Middle East Eye,. 2015. 'Militants Take Control Of Oil Fields In Central Libya'. Accessed March 4 2015. http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/militants-take-control-oil-fields-central-libya-1103126308. xxxi YouTube,. 2015. 'مالحم الخالفة في بنغازي عملية استشهادية على تجمع لجند الطاغوت'. Accessed March 2 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=430xyARAYOQ&feature=youtu.be. xxxii https://www.sendspace.com/file/db8xxd xxxiii Twitter. February 28, 2015. Accessed March 1, 2015. https://twitter.com/wheelertweets/status/571773752708612097. xxxiv "والية طرابلس رسالة إلى إخوة التوحيد." YouTube. February 27, 2015. Accessed March 1, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMXjX-zbH7Y&feature=youtu.be. xxxv Facebook.com,. 2015. 'Elizabeth Henderson | Facebook'. Accessed February 25 2015. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1422141928079423.
63
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
xxxvi News.siteintelgroup.com,. 2015. 'IS Video Shows Corinthia Hotel Suicide Bombers In First Installment Of “Convoys Of The Martyrdom-Seekers” Series | Jihadist News'. Accessed February 25 2015. https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/is-video-shows-corinthia-hotel-suicide-bombers-in-first-installment-of-convoys-of-the-martyrdom-seekers-series.html. xxxvii Nasher.me,. 2015. 'ضمن مالحم بنغازي .. اإلغارة على تمركز لجند الطاغوت قرب مديرية المساكن | ناشر'. Accessed February 23 2015. http://nasher.me/egara1/. xxxviii Twitter,. 2015. 'أخبار مجاهدي ليبيا On Twitter'. Accessed February 23 2015. https://twitter.com/akhbar_m_libya_/status/569492000157728769 xxxix Nasher.me,. 2015. 'تنفيذ عمليتين استشهاديتين على استهدفتا غرفة الطاغوت حفتر في المنطقة الشرقية والجبل األخضر | ناشر'. Accessed February 22 2015. http://nasher.me/qoppa/. xl Libya, ISIL. 2015. 'ISIL Suicide Bombings Kill At Least 45 In Libya | The National'. Thenational.Ae. Accessed February 22 2015. http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/isil-suicide-bombings-kill-at-least-45-in-libya. xli Twitter,. 2015. 'Toyota Witness On Twitter'. Accessed February 19 2015. https://twitter.com/ToyotaWitness/status/568351774240714752. xlii Dump.to,. 2015. 'بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم المك... - Dump.To - Dump And Share Text & Images Easily And Anonymously!'. Accessed February 19 2015. https://dump.to/hesba11. xliii Twitter,. 2015. 'أخبار مجاهدي ليبيا On Twitter'. Accessed February 19 2015. https://twitter.com/akhbar_m_libya_/status/568164496297951232. xliv YouTube,. 2015. 'جنود الدولة في سرت قبل قليل " دولة اإلسالم باقية"'. Accessed February 19 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOSXs6NsAog&feature=youtu.be. xlv Dump.to,. 2015. 'بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم المك... - Dump.To - Dump And Share Text & Images Easily And Anonymously!'. Accessed February 17 2015. https://dump.to/shorta10. xlvi بوابة الفجر,. 2015. 'بالفيديو والصور.. 'داعش' يذبح األقباط المصريين المختطفين في ليبيا'. Accessed February 16 2015. https://www.elfagr.org/1654270. xlvii Justpaste.it,. 2015. 'بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم مركز الحياة لإلعالم يقدم Al-Hay... - Justpaste.It'. Accessed February 16 2015. http://justpaste.it/jfg4. xlviii Washington Post,. 2015. 'Video Shows Purported Beheading Of Egyptian Christians In Libya'. Accessed February 16 2015. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/video-shows-purported-beheading-of-egyptian-christians-in-libya/2015/02/15/b8d0f092-b548-11e4-bc30-a4e75503948a_story.html. xlix Nytimes.Com. Accessed March 11 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/11/world/africa/isis-seizes-opportunity-in-libyas-turmoil.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=photo-spot-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1. l Reuters,. 2015. 'UPDATE 3-Libyan Oil Pipeline Sabotaged, Gunmen Storm Sirte Offices'. Accessed February 15 2015. http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/14/libya-security-idUSL5N0VO08120150214. li Twitter,. 2015. 'Good Morning Libya On Twitter'. Accessed February 15 2015. https://twitter.com/Morning_LY/status/566623961266814977. lii Nasher.me,. 2015. 'ضمن مالحم بنغازي .. عملية استشهادية استهدفت نقطة عسكرية لجند الطاغوت في منطقة الليثي | ناشر'. Accessed February 17 2015. http://nasher.me/bingazi8/. liii Ansamed.info,. 2015. 'Libya: Isis Flogs Youths For Alcohol Consumption In Derna - General News - Ansamed.It'. Accessed February 15 2015.
64
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2015/02/13/libya-isis-flogs-youths-for-alcohol-consumption-in-derna_ed20e04e-4a56-4cec-a2bf-2802f7370166.html. liv Nasher.me,. 2015. 'توبة 42 عنصرا يعملون في وزارة الداخلية | ناشر'. Accessed February 17 2015. http://nasher.me/tawba4/. lv "IS Seizes Sirte Hospital: Report." Libya Herald. February 13, 2015. Accessed February 15, 2015. http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/02/13/is-seizes-sirte-hospital-report/. lvi Telegraph.co.uk,. 2015. 'Alleged Isil Gunmen In Libya 'Seize Radio Station' - Telegraph'. Accessed February 15 2015. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/11412386/Alleged-Isil-gunmen-in-Libya-seize-radio-station.html. lvii Twitter,. 2015. 'Rida On Twitter'. Accessed February 15 2015. https://twitter.com/libyanproud/status/566150811387166720. lviii "Dabiq 7." February 12, 2015. Accessed February 12, 2015. http://ia601506.us.archive.org/27/items/Dabiq7/Dabiq_7.pdf. lix Ansamed.info,. 2015. 'Libya; Sources, 40 Severed Heads Found In Bengasi - General News - Ansamed.It'. Accessed February 12 2015. http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2015/02/11/libya-sources-40-severed-heads-found-in-bengasi_23764bf5-d466-44e2-97a8-fab567f1168c.html. lx Nasher.me,. 2015. 'فجر ليبيا .. قتال في سبيل الديمقراطية | ناشر'. Accessed February 12 2015. http://nasher.me/fajrlibya/. lxi Twitter,. 2015. 'Islamuntiltheend On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/zholimun_anti/status/564617602828222464 lxii Twitter,. 2015. 'Ahmed Sanalla On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/ASanalla/status/564537410831515648 lxiii Twitter,. 2015. 'Good Morning Libya On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Morning_LY/status/564078582558097408 lxiv مئات األجانب والعرب بصفوف "داعش" في ليبيا Sky News Arabia,. 2015. 'مئات األجانب والعرب بصفوف "داعش" في ليبيا'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.skynewsarabia.com/web/article/722649/%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%94%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%94%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D8%A8%D8%B5%D9%81%D9%88%D9%81-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B4-%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7 lxv Louisa Loveluck, Cairo. 2015. 'Benghazi Faces 'Medical Diasaster' As Libyan City Cut Off By Heavy Fighting - Telegraph'. Telegraph.Co.Uk. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/11396855/Benghazi-faces-medical-diasaster-as-Libyan-city-cut-off-by-heavy-fighting.html. lxvi Reuters,. 2015. 'Car Bomber Kills Two, Wounds Around 20 In Libya's Benghazi: Medics'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/06/us-libya-security-idUSKBN0LA0PH20150206. lxvii Twitter,. 2015. 'Mohamed Eljarh On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Eljarh/status/562756943664914434. lxviii Twitter,. 2015. 'James Wheeler On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/wheelertweets/status/562784888987070464.
65
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
lxix "Five Oil Workers Still Missing from Mabruk Oil Field Attack." Libya Herald. February 7, 2015. Accessed February 11, 2015. http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/02/07/five-oil-workers-still-missing-from-mabruk-oil-field-attack/. lxx اإلغارة على ثكنات المرتدين في منطقة عين مارة | ناشر Nasher.me,. 2015. 'اإلغارة على ثكنات المرتدين في منطقة عين مارة | ناشر'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://nasher.me/marah6/. lxxi جانب من نشاطات المكتب الدعوي في والية طرابلس | ناشر Nasher.me,. 2015. 'جانب من نشاطات المكتب الدعوي في والية طرابلس | ناشر'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://nasher.me/daawi3/. lxxii Islam4libya2. February 4, 2015. Accessed February 15, 2015. https://twitter.com/islam4libya2/status/563171801279516672. lxxiii Twitter,. 2015. 'Good Morning Libya On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Morning_LY/status/562681055585792002/photo/1. lxxiv "Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade Again Attacked: Report." Libya Herald. February 3, 2015. Accessed February 11, 2015. http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/02/03/tripoli-revolutionaries-brigade-again-attacked-report/. lxxv مقتل شرطي وجرح اثنين في تفجير طرابلس .Accessed February 11 2015 .'بوابة الوسط,. 2015. 'مقتل شرطي وجرح اثنين في تفجير طرابلسhttp://www.alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/59320/. lxxvi Twitter,. 2015. 'Good Morning Libya On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Morning_LY/status/561793439940243456. lxxvii Manbar.me,. 2015. ' 2 ضمن مالحم بنغازي .. صور من خط الرباط'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/rebat2. lxxviii Manbar.me,. 2015. ' "صحوات بنغازي .. وآثار الدمار"'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/sahawa4. lxxix Nasher.me,. 2015. 'خير لك من حمر النعم( اعتناق ثالثة من نصارى إفريقيا الدين اإلسالمي | ناشر('. Accessed February 11 2015. http://nasher.me/trablos2/. lxxx Times of Malta,. 2015. 'New Video, Pictures - At Least Nine Killed In Corinthia Tripoli Hotel Attack, Assailants Killed By Grenade - PM To Make Statement In Parliament '. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150127/local/new-video-pictures-at-least-nine-killed-in-corinthia-tripoli-hotel-attack-assailants-killed-by-grenade-pm-to-make-statement-in-parliament.553624. lxxxi Twitter,. 2015. 'Rana Jawad On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Rana_J01/status/560027880546377729. lxxxii "Fulaan_akh." Twitter. Accessed February 11, 2015. https://twitter.com/fulaan_akh/status/559982490434027521. lxxxiii Twitter,. 2015. 'Libyan™ On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/dovenews/status/560054173946093569. lxxxiv Manbar.me,. 2015. ' بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم دولة الخالفة اإلسالمية...'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/urnft. lxxxv Manbar.me,. 2015. ' توزيع الهدايا والحلوى على أطفال بنغازي'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/atfalben.
66
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
lxxxvi Justpaste.it,. 2015. 'بسم هللا والصالة والسالم على رسول هللا رسالة مفتوحة إلى... - Justpaste.It'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://justpaste.it/izmy. lxxxvii Nasher.me,. 2015. 'ضمن نشاطات رجال الحسبة إزالة أحد التماثيل وهدم إحدى األضرحة الشركية | ناشر'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://nasher.me/hesba4/. lxxxviii Manbar.me,. 2015. ' تقرير مصور اشتباكات مع جند الطاغوت في عين مارة'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/ma3barqa. lxxxix Manbar.me,. 2015. ' حيم) قصة هجرة حمن الر .Accessed February 11 2015 .'...بسم هللا الرhttps://manbar.me/grmmz. xc allAfrica.com,. 2015. 'Libya: Ramtane Lamamra Condemns Car Bomb Attack Outside Algeria's Embassy In Tripoli'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://allafrica.com/stories/201501191785.html. xci Justpaste.it,. 2015. 'بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم توزيع كسوة الشتاء ومساعدات مالية... - Justpaste.It'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://justpaste.it/sadaqat_2. xcii Justpaste.it,. 2015. ' بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم المكتب اإلعالمي لوالية طرابلس يقد... - Justpaste.It'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://justpaste.it/iv5h. xciii Cairo, Louisa. 2015. 'Isil Group In Libya Claims Mass Kidnap Of Christians - Telegraph'.Telegraph.Co.Uk. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/11341195/Isil-group-in-Libya-claims-mass-kidnap-of-Christians.html. xciv Justpaste.it,. 2015. 'Content Has Been Removed - Justpaste.It'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://justpaste.it/Nsha9hesba. xcv Justpaste.it,. 2015. 'Content Has Been Removed - Justpaste.It'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://justpaste.it/2jornalest. xcvi Justpaste.it,. 2015. 'Content Has Been Removed - Justpaste.It'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://justpaste.it/rebat1. xcvii Justpaste.it,. 2015. 'بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم المكتب اإلعالمي في والية برقة يقدم... - Justpaste.It'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://justpaste.it/estyad. xcviii Manbar.me,. 2015. ' بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم تقرير مصور عن...'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/taqnasf. xcix Twitter,. 2015. 'Good Morning Libya On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Morning_LY/status/551429333483790337 c Justpaste.it,. 2015. 'Content Has Been Removed - Justpaste.It'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://justpaste.it/GazAoth. ci "Massacre in Sukna: Report." Libya Herald. January 2, 2015. Accessed February 11, 2015. http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/01/02/massacre-in-sukna-report/. cii Twitter,. 2015. 'بنغازي ستنتصر On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/LIBYA_BREAKNEWS/status/549890839594688512 ciii Twitter,. 2015. 'ANADOLU AGENCY (AR) On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/aa_arabic/status/549891835209199616 civ "Car Bomb outside House of Representatives Hotel in Tobruk." Libya Herald. December 30, 2014. Accessed February 11, 2015. http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/12/30/car-bomb-outside-house-of-representatives-hotel-in-tobruk/.
67
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
cv Twitter,. 2015. 'Egypt Speaks On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/egypt_speaks/status/548792251930124289. cvi Twitter,. 2015. 'Mohamed Eljarh On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Eljarh/status/548789172744765440. cvii Au.news.yahoo.com,. 2015. 'Car Bomb Hits Diplomatic Security Building In Libyan Capital'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/25864172/car-bomb-hits-diplomatic-security-building-in-libyan-capital/. cviii Libya-al-mostakbal.org,. 2015. '«Libya Al-Mostakbal»'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.libya-al-mostakbal.org/news/clicked/60647. cix بوابة الوسط,. 2014. '»داعش« ينشر تقريرا مصورا لحرق »المرتدين« ببنغازي'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/53674/. cx Twitter,. 2015. 'Good Morning Libya On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Morning_LY/status/544794684670087168. cxi Twitter,. 2015. 'Good Morning Libya On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Morning_LY/status/545340546676695040. cxii العسكرية بمدخل إجدابيا الشرقي'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/52065/. cxiii Manbar.me,. 2015. ' بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم صولة لألسود على...'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/saolaa. cxiv Twitter,. 2015. 'Mohamed Eljarh On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Eljarh/status/539350913136484352. cxv Twitter,. 2015. 'لؤي عمران On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/loayomran/status/539354251647283201. cxvi Twitter,. 2015. 'لؤي عمران On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/loayomran/status/539356734486487040. cxvii بوابة الوسط,. 2014. 'انفجار سيارة مفخخة أمام مديرية أمن أجدابيا'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/50045/. cxviii News.siteintelgroup.com,. 2014. 'IS Releases 5Th Issue Of English Magazine “Dabiq” | Jihadist News'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/is-releases-5th-issue-of-english-magazine-dabiq.html. cxix Manbar.me,. 2015. ' تقرير مصور عن ديوان الحسبة في والية برقة'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/alhsbah. cxx Justpaste.it,. 2015. ' من ليبيا الرد : على ما ذكره الشيخ حارث النظاري بالدقيق... - Justpaste.It'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://justpaste.it/libyarad. cxxi Manbar.me,. 2015. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/isteshhade. cxxii Manbar.me,. 2015. ' بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيمالحد هلل معز جند ، وناصر...'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/baeanbarqa. cxxiii Manbar.me,. 2015. ' بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيمبيعة العشرات من أهالي والية برقة...'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/baeaat. cxxiv Manbar.me,. 2015. ' بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم استعراض جيش الخالفة في والية برقة '. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/isteraad.
68
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
cxxv https://www.alplatformmedia.com/vb/showthread.php?t=69352 cxxvi بوابة الوسط,. 2014. '»داعش« ينشر صورا لمقاتليه في طرابلس'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/48232/. cxxvii Manbar.me,. 2015. Accessed February 11 2015. https://manbar.me/aasaad. cxxviii Twitter,. 2015. 'Nizar Elennabi.نـزار On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/NizarElannabi/status/532763879869521920. cxxix witter,. 2015. 'Nizar Elennabi.نـزار On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/NizarElannabi/status/532765253449547777. cxxx English.alarabiya.net,. 2015. Accessed February 11 2015. http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/13/Car-explodes-near-Egypt-embassy-in-Libya-.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=twitter. cxxxi "Bomb Attack on Marj Checkpoint Injures Three." Libya Herald. November 14, 2014. Accessed February 11, 2015. http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/11/14/bomb-attack-on-marj-checkpoint-injures-three/. cxxxii Twitter,. 2015. 'Mohanid Elghadi مهند On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/MElghadi/status/533228558165237760. cxxxiii بوابة الوسط,. 2014. 'إصابة عنصري أمن في انفجار عبوة ناسفة في مدينة المرج'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/47428/. cxxxiv Twitter,. 2015. 'Majed On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/alwahieshi/status/532617411485523969. cxxxv Twitter,. 2015. 'Mohamed Eljarh On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Eljarh/status/532472048682299392. cxxxvi Twitter,. 2015. 'Mohamed Eljarh On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Eljarh/status/532479247726968832. cxxxvii Twitter,. 2015. 'لؤي عمران On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/loayomran/status/532474754629107712. cxxxviii Twitter,. 2015. 'Libyaalhurra On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/LibyaAlHurraTV/status/532699654291734529. cxxxix Twitter,. 2015. 'Mohamed Eljarh On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Eljarh/status/532457775918764032. cxl Twitter,. 2015. 'Libyaalhurra On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/LibyaAlHurraTV/status/532485635047956480. cxli Twitter,. 2015. 'Mohamed Eljarh On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Eljarh/status/532466468248907776. cxlii BBC News,. 2014. 'Activists Beheaded In Eastern Libya'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30011640. cxliii Twitter,. 2015. 'Military Studies On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/ArmedResearch/status/532215243356000256/photo/1. cxliv Facebook.com,. 2015. 'Facebook'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=378181275681301&set=vb.100004682946200&type=2&theater.
69
Beheadings, Car Bombings, and the Islamic State’s Expansion in Libya
cxlv Twitter,. 2015. 'Mutaz Gedalla On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/mutaz20042000/status/532310833863610368. cxlvi بوابة الوسط,. 2014. 'ذبح متطوع بقاعدة بنينا الجوية'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/46923/. cxlvii Twitter,. 2015. 'Mohamed Eljarh On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Eljarh/status/531447615452631041. cxlviii Reuters,. 2015. 'Bomb Explodes In Libyan Town As U.N. Envoy Meets PM Thinni'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/09/us-libya-security-idUSKCN0IT0K920141109?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews. cxlix Mail Online,. (2014). 2 arrested in bombings near Libya-UN meeting. Retrieved 11 February 2015, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-2828396/2-arrested-bombings-near-Libya-UN-meeting.html cl Twitter,. 2015. 'Good Morning Libya On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Morning_LY/status/551484415382409217. cli Justpaste.it,. 2015. 'قناة التوحيد تقدم الدورة العلمية لفضيلة الشيخ تركي البنعل... - Justpaste.It'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://justpaste.it/huch. clii Washingtoninstitute.org,. 2015. 'The Islamic State's First Colony In Libya'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-islamic-states-first-colony-in-libya. cliii Twitter,. 2015. 'Good Morning Libya On Twitter'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://twitter.com/Morning_LY/status/524356201535270912. cliv بوابة الوسط,. 2014. '»داعش« في ليبيا: يمني أميرا على درنة وسعودي يتلقى البيعة للبغدادي'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/45321/. clv YouTube,. 2015. 'بيعة البغدادي في ملتقى مد االيادي - درنة ليبيا'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nttnpy1UcrE. clvi بوابة الوسط,. 2014. 'قتيل وجريحين جراء انفجار سيارة في بنغازي'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/41051/. clvii بوابة الوسط,. 2014. 'اغتيال شقيق العقيد جمعة المصراتي في بنغازي'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/36397/. clviii Amnesty.org,. 2015. '‘Public Execution’ In Football Stadium Shows Libya’S Descent Into Lawlessness | Amnesty International'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/public-execution-football-stadium-shows-libya-s-descent-lawlessness-2014-08-21. clix YouTube,. 2015. 'Libyan Islamists Hold Public Execution At Soccer Field'. Accessed February 11 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlpA182B7cU. clx Banco, Erin. 2015. 'In Libya's First Known Beheading, Militia Kills Filipino Construction Worker '. International Business Times. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.ibtimes.com/libyas-first-known-beheading-militia-kills-filipino-construction-worker-1634354. clxi "Abdel Jalil Bodyguard Dies after Bomb Attack." Tripoli. June 19, 2014. Accessed February 11, 2015. http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/06/19/abdel-jalil-bodyguard-dies-following-bomb-attack/. clxii Aljazeera.com,. 2014. 'Deadly Bomb Blast Hits Libya Army Camp'. Accessed February 11 2015. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/03/libya-army-camp-blast-2014317111142983333.html.