Clashes erupted between the competing radical Islamist groups on Friday. There are reports of between 11 and 20 casualties. The clashes started after IS gunmen shot and killed Nasser Akr, an Al-Qaeda linked militant and commander of a rival Islamist militia. The umbrella group Council declared war on IS and urged local residents to help defeat IS.
The Council militia, with the help of local residents, were able to drive IS fighters back and retake a city courthouse while capturing the IS commander, who is from Yemen. Earlier in the day, as the rival groups fought in Derna, a suicide bomber blew himself up, resulting in three people being killed and five more wounded. Another bomber blew himself up later but managed only to kill himself.
The Islamic State had been extending its influence in Libya both in the city of Derna in an area controlled by the internationally-recognized Tobruk government, but even more so in the city of Sirte in an area controlled by the Tripoli government. They have made advances in the Sirte area, taking the part of the town held formerly by Tripoli and also taking over the airport. In Derna, local residents claim that the Majlis Mujahideen has taken back much of the city. Among the IS fighters killed they claim one was an Egyptian. However, they report that fighting was continuing in the centre of the city, with most shops and businesses closed due to the fighting.
IS was slowly implementing Sharia law in Derna. The leader said to be named Abu El-Azadi arrived in Derna only last year and represents IS leadership from Iraq. The Majlis have long links with local Islamists having fought against Gadaffi. The clashes have now been ongoing in Derna for a week. Even if the Majlis win out Derna will still be under control of radical Islamists opposed to the Tobruk government. Derna was the first city in Libya to come under IS control. The group has recruited from other radical Islamist groups such as Ansar al-Sharia that is linked to Al Qaeda, and the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi. Many countries especially in Europe across the Mediterranean from Libya worry about the advance of IS in Libya.
