'Panicked' ISIS moving HQ to Libya as Syrian stronghold pounded by air strikes

Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorists are setting up new headquarters along Libya's Mediterranean coast after their Syrian stronghold in Raqqa was pounded by air strikes from the West.

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According to the Daily Star, ISIS jihadis have established their new base in Sirte, the former home of Colonel Gaddafi, just a few hours across the Mediterranean from Italy.

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Following the capture of a 200 km stretch of the coast by ISIS, American and UK forces have been deployed in Libya.

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The barbaric group has been running training camps for international extremists from Sirte after coalition forces slammed its stronghold in Raqqa.

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The base in Sirte has evolved into an actively managed colony and it is the only arm of ISIS which its central leadership controls.

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Leaders of the twisted terror group have reportedly adopted a slogan reflecting Sirte's heightened profile within the savage organisation: "Sirte will be no less than Raqqa."

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In the terror group's new stronghold, there has been a rapid growth, from 200 to 5,000 fighters since the branch was announced, according to reports.

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The group has also stopped insisting Muslims travel to Syria to join its caliphate and is instead suggesting recruits go to Libya instead.

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According to a civil engineer who recently fled the city, "Sirte has gone dark.