Islamic State fighters head south in Libya, threatening Sahel


DAKAR (Reuters) - Groups of Islamic State fighters are quitting their bases in Libya fearing Western air strikes and heading south, posing a new threat to countries in Africa's Sahel region including Niger and Chad, officials and intelligence sources said.

The ultra-hardline movement that has seized large areas of Syria and neighbouring Iraq has also amassed thousands of fighters along a coastal strip in Libya, where it has taken the city of Sirte and attacked oil infrastructure.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Russian forces pressuring Pokrovsk as 'last battles' rage
NATO expected to launch Arctic Sentry mission in coming days, sources say
UK's Starmer refuses to heed calls to quit over Mandelson scandal
Sudanese nomads trapped as war fuels banditry and ethnic splits
Spain's far-right Vox doubles its seats in Aragon regional vote
UK's Starmer refuses to heed calls to quit over Mandelson scandal
US Vice President Vance heads to Armenia, Azerbaijan to push peace, trade
Fifty-three migrants dead or missing after boat capsizes off Libya, IOM says
Rubio to lead US delegation to Munich Security Conference, chairman says
Italy's Alpine rescuers urge caution after string of avalanche deaths

Others Also Read