Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Another Al Qaida-aligned militia has emerged in Libya.

Al Battar Brigade has announced the launch of operations against rival
militias in wake of the death of a leading insurgent.

Al Battar was said to have been affiliated with Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the largest Al Qaida franchise in the Middle East.

“We will cut off heads, slit stomachs and fill Libya with graves,” Al Battar said.

On June 9, Al Battar reported the death of a leading member, Mahdi Saad
Al Ghaithi. Al Ghaithi was killed in a battle with the rival Abu Salim
Martyrs Brigade in the eastern Libyan city of Derna.

Derna, a port city of 80,000, has been dominated by Al Qaida-aligned
militias. Officials said ISIL and Ansar Al Sharia were expanding their
presence in the city.

Al Battar was said to stem from fighters in Syria. The militia has been
cooperating with Al Qaida’s Ansar Al Sharia.

  Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade, Al Battar Brigade, ISIL, New ISIL-tied militia joins the fray in Libya