Militias in Libya

In Tripoli, Libya, on Jan. 27, gunmen stormed the popular Corinthia Hotel, killing nine people, including one American. The Islamic State (ISIL), a self-designated caliphate, claimed responsibility for the attack, though their direct involvement was unconfirmed.  

The dual governments of Libya, the “popularly” elected House of Representatives, currently housed in the city of Tobruk in the east, and the militia-backed General National Congress in Tripoli, announced a cease-fire agreement on Jan. 18.

Militias not associated with either group were not part of the agreement, and the government in Tobruk reiterated that it still would militarily engage groups that it considers terrorists.

The US Department of State warns against all travel to Libya, where the security situation remains unpredictable. Extremist groups have called for attacks against US citizens and US interests in Libya.