Libyan security forces on Friday killed an Islamic State (IS) commander in the capital city of Tripoli, according to a statement issued by Tripoli authority.

“An arrest warrant was issued against Murad al-Gamati, commander of Tawheed battalion and an IS affiliated leader,” the statement said.

Gun fire exchange took place during the operation in Al-Furnaj in central Tripoli. Al-Gamati was severely injured and later died in hospital, the statement added.

Libyan authority said al-Gamati is responsible for an early bomb attack that targeted Tripoli’s only functioning airport Mitiga as well as some other terror acts.

Libya has been suffering a security vacuum and a state of insecurity since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011.

The country is now plagued by extremist groups loyal to the IS, while political divisions have left the North African country vulnerable to those groups. Enditem