Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade
LeadersSalim Derby †[1]
Dates of operation2011–2015
Active regionsDerna
IdeologyIslamism
Part ofShura Council of Mujahideen in Derna
Opponents ISIL
Libya Libyan National Army
Battles and warsSecond Libyan Civil War

The Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade was an Islamist militia that advocated for the implementation of Sharia law within Derna, Libya. The group was known for enforcing strict social rules in the city.

Background

The Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade was created by former Libyan Islamic Fighting Group member Abdel-Hakim al-Hasidi.[2] Following the Libyan Civil War, the brigade was taken over by Salim Derby.[3]

In 2014, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Libya took over much of Derna. Abu Salim and ISIL repeatedly clashed in the following months in disputes over power and resources.[1] Derby was killed in fighting with ISIL militants in June 2015.[1]

In november 17, 2015 44 civilians were kidnapped from an unknown number of road blocks in Tripoli. The civilians were released in two groups of 27 a few hours apart from each other, the authorities attributed the abduction to the Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade.[4][5]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Al-Qaida-linked militants attack IS affiliate in Libya". Associated Press. 10 June 2015. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  2. ^ Abigail Hauslohner (March 30, 2012). "With Libya's Ascendant Islamists: 'Don't Get the Wrong Idea'". Time. Archived from the original on March 30, 2012.
  3. ^ Frederic Wehrey (September 30, 2012). "The Struggle for Security in Eastern Libya" (PDF). Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
  4. ^ "Tripoli tense following Misratan abductions". Libya Herald. Archived from the original on 2023-02-21. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  5. ^ "GTD ID:201511170009". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
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