30 Mar 2018 | 06:12 PM UTC
Libya: Islamic State claims March 29 bombing in Ajdabiya
On March 30, Islamic State claims responsibility for March 29 VBIED attack in Ajdabiya that killed at least eight people
Event
On Friday, March 30, the Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for a March 29 vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack in Ajdabiya that killed at least eight people and wounded eight others. The attack reportedly targeted a checkpoint at the eastern exit of the town.
Context
The IS-claimed March 29 attack comes just weeks after IS claimed responsibility for another VBIED attack at the Gate 60 checkpoint near Ajdabiya on March 9. IS militants have carried out numerous attacks targeting security forces and infrastructure in the country since being driven from their former stronghold of Sirte in late 2016 by UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) forces, supported by US airstrikes.
Libya has been divided by rival governments and factions with their own militias and political parties since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The security situation in Libya remains precarious and the country is likely to remain unstable in the near-term amid the ongoing civil war.
Advice
The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with appropriate security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
