Islamic State group car bomb, clashes leave 17 dead in Libya

The Islamic State group's affiliate in Libya said it played a role in a string of suicide car bombings that killed 12 people today in the eastern city of Benghazi. Meanwhile, its militants carried out an attack on a rival militia in the central coastal city of Sirte, leaving five dead.
A Libyan security official said the three suicide bombings, which also wounded 25, were targeting forces of Libya's elected government and allied fighters. Two of the bombings were carried by militants affiliated to the umbrella group known as The Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries.
The Islamic State affiliate claimed responsibility for the other bombing in a post on an Internet bulletin board known to be used by the group and its sympathizers. The claim included a picture of an alleged Tunisian suicide bomber it said was involved in the attack.

The attacks came in retaliation for the killing of Mohammed al-Aribi, a top commander under the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries who fought alongside Islamic State and al-Qaida-linked militants, the security official said.
Al-Aribi, who died Monday, was mourned by the Tripoli-militia backed group and parliament yesterday.
The security official spoke on condition of anonymity as he wasn't authorised to brief journalists.
In the central city of Sirte today, Islamic State fighters killed five in clashes with a militia from the western city of Misrata, a militia commander said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief journalists. Sirte the home of former dictator Moammar Gadhafi became the second city to fall into hands of the extremist group. Misrata, which is close to Sirte, has sent its militias to battle the militants.

Libya has plunged into chaos since the 2011 overthrow and death of Gadhafi, leaving the country with two parliaments and two governments, along with rival militaries and militias. The power struggle and fierce fighting has paved the way for the Islamic State group's expansion.