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How Islamic State is undermining peace prospects in Libya

As Libya’s rival parties are moving forward toward a political solution, it seems that the Islamic State and other extremist organizations are re-emerging on the internal scene in a bid to torpedo any such efforts for peace.
Libyan forces allied with the UN-backed government patrol to prevent Islamic State resurgence on the outskirts of Sirte, Libya, August 4, 2017. REUTERS/Ismail Zitouny - RC1DA1985C50
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The Islamic State (IS) reappeared in Libya almost a year after it was ousted from its stronghold of Sirte on the Mediterranean coast. In a video clip released Aug. 28 by IS’ Amaq news agency, two fighters appeared at an ad hoc checkpoint on the highway heading south of Sirte toward Jufra. In the same video, Sagayar Majri, a lawyer and former vice chairman of Libya’s High National Election Commission, who was kidnapped May 25, briefly appeared appealing for help.

On Aug. 23, IS claimed to have attacked a military checkpoint run by the Libyan Armed Forces (LAF), headed by Gen. Khalifa Hifter, killing nine soldiers.

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