ISIS MILITANTS SEIZE LIBYAN CITY AND CLOSE UNIVERSITY

Tripoli, 2 Jumadal Awwal 1436/21 February 2015 (MINA) – Sources in the Libyan city of Sirte claim that elements of ISIS have seized control of the city and closed the local university. Sirte is 500 kilometres east of the capital Tripoli.

A member of the university’s council, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for security reasons, told Bawabet Al-Wasat news, “Sirte University stopped working after members of the Islamic State group took control of the buildings.”

The source pointed out that the militant group seized government offices in the city last week, including branches of national ministries, the local council, the elders council and the Shura council, as well as local and national radio stations and the MCMDS satellite TV channel, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting, Friday (20/2).

Work has been suspended in all ministries in the city for the past few days in the absence of the local council, which should be running the city.

The deteriorating security situation in Libya has stirred international fears that the oil-rich country is turning into a hub for radical jihadists.

Two governments fight over the control of Libya; one is in Tripoli and led by Omar Hassi, while the other is recognised internationally and led by Abdullah Al-Thani in Tobruk. (T/P002/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)