Global Terrorism Index 2025

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Islamic State and Affiliates: Islamic State Libya Province
The Islamic State – Libya Province (IS-LP) was established in 2014. It was formed mainly by Libyan fighters who had participated in conflicts in Syria and Iraq as members of IS. These fighters took advantage of Libya's instability following the 2011 civil war to consolidate its influence. The group was initially organised as the Islamic Youth Shura Council and later pledged allegiance to IS, officially becoming IS-LP. The group secured a stronghold in the city of Derna, which has a longstanding history of jihadist activity. 
 
IS-LP swiftly expanded its influence, with IS leadership recognising three provinces in country: Cyrenaica in the East, Fezzan in the South, and Tripolitania in the West.By early 2015, IS-LP had seized control of Sirte, Muammar Gaddafi’s hometown, implementing strict Sharia Law and using the city as a strategic base for operations. Additionally, the neighbouring towns of Nofaliya and Harawa were taken over by the group. 
 
The group orchestrated several high-profile attacks, including the January 2015 assault on the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli, resulting in nine deaths. In February 2015, IS-LP claimed responsibility for bombings in the eastern town of al-Qubbah, which killed at least 40 people. Additionally, the group conducted mass executions, notably the killing of 21 Egyptian Christians near Sirte in Early 2015.
 
 
IS-LP’s presence in Libya attracted international concern, prompting military interventions. By late 2016, a coalition of Libyan forces, supported by US airstrikes, expelled the group from Sirte. In January 2017, US airstrikes on an IS-LP base southwest of Sirte reportedly killed over 90 militants.5Furthermore, in September 2019, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) claimed airstrikes carried out against the group resulted in the death of 43 IS-LP militants. Despite these setbacks, the group persisted, adapting its tactics to operate as a dispersed insurgency, particularly in Libya’s southern regions. As of 2020, IS-LP has mostly operated as a moving insurgency, instead of holding territory that risks being subjected to raids and attacks.
 
In recent years, the IS-LP has experienced significant setbacks, including the loss of key leaders and a marked reduction in its operational capacity. Notably, there have been no recorded terrorist attacks attributed to IS-LP within Libya since 2022. While the group no longer holds control over territory in the country or carries out numerous attacks, the continued presence and activity of IS on an international scale present a potential risk of IS-LP's resurgence. 
 
Global Terrorism Index 2025. Institute for Economics & Peace. Sydney, Australia.