Derna campaign (2014–2016): Difference between revisions

Derna campaign (2014–2016)
	Part of the Second Libyan Civil War; and the military intervention against ISIL
	; The view of Derna from a hilltop
Date	5 October 2014 – 21 April 2016; (1 year, 6 months, 2 weeks and 2 days); (ISIL presence since early 2014)
Location	Derna, Libya
Result	Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna victory
Territorial; changes	ISIL militants capture parts of Derna and begin operating courts, schools, radio and administrative facilities.; The Libyan government captures villages and roads leading to Derna and implements a naval blockade of the city, while carrying out occasional airstrikes.; Egypt carries out airstrikes in February 2015, in response to ISIL's beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians.; Clashes erupt between the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna and ISIL in June 2015, with ISIL being expelled from the city by late July 2015, but ISIL again entered Derna in December 2015.; ISIL began redeploying forces from its positions on the outskirts of Derna to other parts of Libya in April 2016.;
Belligerents
Commanders and leaders
Units involved
Strength
Casualties and losses
	3 civilians executed by ISIL forces; 2 journalists executed;

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In October 2014, the self-declared Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) took control of numerous government buildings, security vehicles and local landmarks in the Eastern Libyan coastal city of Derna.^[33] Although some media outlets reported the control as being absolute, rival groups like the al-Qaeda-affiliated Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade continued to control parts of the city.^[34]^[35] Clashes erupted between ISIL and an alliance of Islamist groups in June 2015,^[10]^[36] with ISIL retreating from Derna to outlying suburbs the following month.^[23] However, clashes continued between the Islamist alliance and the Tobruk-based government forces.

Background[edit]

The city of Derna has a history of Islamic radicalism. In 2007, American troops in Iraq uncovered a list of foreign fighters for the Iraqi insurgency and of the 112 Libyans on the list, 52 had come from Derna.^[37] Derna contributed more foreign fighters per capita to al-Qaeda in Iraq than any city in the Middle East and the city has also been a major source of fighters in the Syrian Civil War and escalation of the Iraqi insurgency, with 800 fighters from Derna joining ISIL.^[6]

Events[edit]

ISIL takeover of Derna[edit]

On 5 October 2014, the ISIL-linked militant factions came together and pledged allegiance to ISIL. After the pledging ceremony, more than 60 pickup trucks filled with fighters cruised through the city in a victory parade.^[38] A second more formal gathering took place on 30 October, where militants gathered to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the city square, where a handmade bomb was detonated.^[39]

Libyan airstrikes and planned assault[edit]

On 12 November 2014, Libyan Air Force fighter jets carried out airstrikes in Derna, possibly in retaliation for the car bombs, which exploded in Benghazi, Tobruk and the Labraq Airport. Six ISIL militants were killed and 20 militants were wounded.^[6]^[40] According to Human Rights Watch, some residents have fled the city in advance of an announced Libyan Armed Forces assault on Derna.^[41] Approval for a Libyan Army ground assault on Derna was given on 6 December 2014 and army units moved within a few kilometers of Derna, retaking control of villages and roads leading to the city.^[16] From December 2014, US drones and electronic surveillance planes began making "constant flights" from Italian bases over Derna.^[42] On 25 March 2015, the Tobruk-based government announced it was launching an offensive on the city of Derna, to expel ISIL and other militant groups from the city.^[43]^{[failed verification]}

Egyptian military airstrikes[edit]

On 15 February 2015, the Islamic State in Libya released a video depicting the beheading of 21 Coptic Christians from Egypt. Within hours, the Egyptian Air Force responded with airstrikes against IS training locations and weapons stockpiles, killing 50 militants in Derna.^[44] Warplanes acting under orders from the "official" Libyan government also struck targets in Derna, reportedly in coordination with Egypt's airstrikes.^[45] A Libyan official stated that more joint airstrikes would follow.^[45]

2015–2016 Battle of Derna[edit]

In March 2015, the Libyan National Army, affiliated with the Tobruk-based government, began to implement a siege of the city of Derna, in preparation for a future offensive on the city.^[43] However, by May 2015, the operation had stalled due to disputes between commanders and affiliated tribes.^[46]

The Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna, an umbrella organisation of Derna-based Islamist factions opposed to ISIL, launched an offensive against ISIL in June 2015, following its involvement in the killing of two of their leaders.^[4] After days of clashes, they were able to push ISIL out of large portions of the city,^[36] but clashes continued between them and the Tobruk-based government forces. By July 2015, the last ISIL militants in Derna were expelled from the city, withdrawing to al-Fatayeh on the outskirt where they continued to clash with the Derna Shura Council.^[10]^[47] Taking advantage of ISIL's collapse in the city, the Shura Council began to impose their own rule and Libyan Army forces attempted to advance on the city.^[48] Following continued clashes, ISIL retreated from al-Fatayeh and positions in Derna's outskirts in April 2016, reportedly to the group's stronghold in Sirte.^[7]

U.S. airstrike[edit]

The United States launched an airstrike at Derna on 13 November 2015, targeting senior ISIL leader Abu Nabil al-Anbari.^[2]^[49] Abu Nabil had previously led jihadist operations between Fallujah and Ramadi from 2004 to 2010 before relocating to Libya on the orders of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. It was the first military action against ISIL by the United States outside of Syria and Iraq. The Libya Herald reported that Abu Nabil al-Anbari was not killed in the airstrike,^[50] however a eulogy to Abu Nabil al-Anbari was published online by a member of ISIL some weeks later^[51] and an interview with his replacement was published in an ISIL magazine in March 2016.^[52]

References[edit]

^ ^a ^b "Egypt launches airstrikes against ISIL in Libya". USA today. 16 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2017-10-12. Retrieved 2017-08-26.
^ ^a ^b "Exclusive: U.S. Targets ISIS in Libya Airstrike". The Daily Beast. 14 November 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-11-14. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
^ ^a ^b "Libyan city is first outside Syria, Iraq to join ISIS". Haaretz.com. 10 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-11-12. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
^ ^a ^b "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.
^ "ISIS Now Has Military Allies in 11 Countries -- NYMag". Daily Intelligencer. 23 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Cruickshank, Paul; Robertson, Nic; Lister, Tim; Karadsheh, Jomana (18 November 2014). "ISIS comes to Libya". CNN. Archived from the original on 2015-02-18. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
^ ^a ^b "Islamic State in retreat around east Libyan city: military". Reuters. 20 April 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-04-20. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
^ "ISIS Leader in Libya Presumed Killed by U.S. Airstrike". NBC News. 14 November 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-11-14. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
^ ^a ^b "Derna Islamist leader killed in Benghazi". Libya Herald. 17 September 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-10-16. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Isis in Libya: Islamic State driven out of Derna stronghold by al-Qaeda-linked militia". International Business Times UK. 15 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
^ "Islamists clash in Derna, Abu Sleem leader reported killed". Libya Herald. 10 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-10. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
^ "Isis in Libya: Al-Qaeda commander killed in Islamist power struggle for IS-controlled Derna". International Business Times. 10 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-10. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
^ "Islamists clash in Derna, Abu Sleem leader reported killed". Libya Herald. 10 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-10. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Heavy fighting continues near Derna". libyaherald.com. 29 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-07-03. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
^ "Three children among dead in suicide bombing in Derna: UPDATE". libyaherald.com. 3 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-07-05. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
^ ^a ^b "Libyan army gears up for Derna assault". Middle East Eye. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
^ SPIEGEL ONLINE, Hamburg, Germany (18 November 2014). "Islamic State Expanding into North Africa". Der Spiegel. Archived from the original on 2014-11-21. Retrieved 25 November 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^ Zelin, Aaron Y. (10 October 2014). "The Islamic State's First Colony in Libya". The Washington Institute. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
^ Paton, Callum (2015-06-15). "Isis in Libya: Islamic State driven out of Derna stronghold by al-Qaeda-linked militia". International Business Times UK. Archived from the original on 2018-06-28. Retrieved 2018-10-13. Analyst and non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council Centre for the Middle East, Mohammed Eljahr, told IBTimes UK that Abu Salim Brigade had always had superior numbers and firepower relative to IS in Derna.
^ "Middle East updates / ISIS kills 14 Libyan soldiers, official government says". Haaretz.com. 3 January 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
^ "ISIS Fighters Kill 14 Soldiers in Southern Libya". News From Antiwar.com. 5 January 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
^ "Scores of Libyans pledge loyalty to ISIS chief in video". Al Arabiya. Reuters. 1 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 2015-01-09.
^ ^a ^b "Libya officials: Jihadis driving IS from eastern stronghold". Associated Press. 30 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2016-04-06. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
^ "www.ibtimes.co.uk/libya-egyptian-troops-launch-ground-attack-isis-held-derna-capturing-55-militants-1488522". International Business Times. 18 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-02-19. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
^ "Derna Mujahedeen sentence IS members to death". libyaherald.com. 6 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-07-07. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
^ "Car bombed in Derna". libyaherald.com. 7 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-07-08. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
^ "Mujahideen claims to push back IS from high ground behind Derna". Libya Herald. 31 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-08-11. Retrieved 31 July 2015.
^ "BBC News - Libya violence: Activists beheaded in Derna". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
^ "3 Activists 'beheaded' in Derna, Libya". OBS Forum. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
^ "Three Activists Beheaded in Eastern Libya". Diana Crandall. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
^ "ISIS in Libya claims execution of 2 Tunisian journalists - World - Dunya News". dunyanews.tv. 14 February 2008. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
^ "ISIS Claims To Have Executed Two Tunisian Journalists". International Business Times. 8 January 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
^ Ernst, Douglas (18 November 2014). "Islamic State takes Libyan city; 100K under terror group's control as chaos spreads". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on 2015-02-23. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
^ "The Islamic State of Libya Isn't Much of a State". Foreign Policy. 17 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-09. Retrieved 10 June 2015. He noted that it does not control all of Derna, where rival groups like the Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade still play a major role.
^ "Islamic State 'province' advances in and around Libyan city of Sirte". Long War Journal. 9 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-09. Retrieved 10 June 2015. Last year, multiple press outlets erroneously reported that Baghdadi's loyalists run the city of Derna. That isn't true. The Islamic State has a significant contingent in Derna and controls part of the city, but other jihadists remain entrenched.
^ ^a ^b "Libyan Islamists claim to drive Islamic State from port stronghold". Reuters. 14 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-14. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
^ Peraino, Kevin (19 April 2008). "Cover: The Jihadist Riddle". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 2014-11-14. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
^ "How a Libyan City Joined the Islamic State Group". ABC News. 9 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-11-18. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
^ "Isis: Libya Baghdadi proclaimed chief of Derna Caliphate". ANSAmed. 31 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-11-13. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
^ "Car bombs kill at least four in Libya as chaos mounts". Times of Malta. Reuters. 13 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
^ "Libya: Extremists Terrorizing Derna Residents". Human Rights Watch. 27 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-12-05. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
^ Chris Stephen (6 December 2014). "US expresses fears as Isis takes control of northern Libyan town". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
^ ^a ^b "Libyan cities increasingly isolated". Al-Monitor. Archived from the original on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
^ "Egyptian air strikes in Libya 'kill 50 Isis militants'". The Guardian. 16 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2016-12-02. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
^ ^a ^b "Libyan air force loyal to official government bombed targets in eastern city of Derna". Ynetnews. 16 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-02-16. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
^ "Splitting the Islamists: The Islamic State's Creeping Advance in Libya". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. 19 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-23. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
^ "Dozens killed in attack on ISIS in Libya's Derna". 21 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-24. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
^ "A Victory Over the Islamic State in Libya". Foreign Policy. Archived from the original on 2015-06-30. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
^ Martin Pengelly (14 November 2015). "Islamic State leader in Libya 'killed in US airstrike'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2015-11-15. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
^ "Abu Nabil Al-Anbari "not killed" in US Derna attack". Libya Herald. 15 November 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-11-17. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
^ "Eulogy to Abu Nabil al-Anbari: Islamic State leader in Libya". Middle East Forum. Archived from the original on 2016-01-27. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
^ "New Islamic State leader in Libya says group 'stronger every day'". Reuters. 10 March 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-03-11. Retrieved 10 March 2016.

[Egypt_retaliates-1] "Egypt launches airstrikes against ISIL in Libya". USA today. 16 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2017-10-12. Retrieved 2017-08-26.

[usairstrike-2] "Exclusive: U.S. Targets ISIS in Libya Airstrike". The Daily Beast. 14 November 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-11-14. Retrieved 14 November 2015.

[haaretz-3] "Libyan city is first outside Syria, Iraq to join ISIS". Haaretz.com. 10 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-11-12. Retrieved 18 November 2014.

[clashes-4] "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.

[ISIL_has_allies_in_11_countries-5] "ISIS Now Has Military Allies in 11 Countries -- NYMag". Daily Intelligencer. 23 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 10 June 2015.

[ISIS_comes_to_Libya-6] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Cruickshank, Paul; Robertson, Nic; Lister, Tim; Karadsheh, Jomana (18 November 2014). "ISIS comes to Libya". CNN. Archived from the original on 2015-02-18. Retrieved 19 November 2014.

[retreat-7] "Islamic State in retreat around east Libyan city: military". Reuters. 20 April 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-04-20. Retrieved 20 April 2016.

[usairstrike2-8] "ISIS Leader in Libya Presumed Killed by U.S. Airstrike". NBC News. 14 November 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-11-14. Retrieved 14 November 2015.

[ISIL_leader_in_Derna_killed-9] "Derna Islamist leader killed in Benghazi". Libya Herald. 17 September 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-10-16. Retrieved 17 September 2014.

[ISIL_expelled_from_Derna-10] "Isis in Libya: Islamic State driven out of Derna stronghold by al-Qaeda-linked militia". International Business Times UK. 15 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 4 July 2015.

[11] "Islamists clash in Derna, Abu Sleem leader reported killed". Libya Herald. 10 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-10. Retrieved 10 June 2015.

[12] "Isis in Libya: Al-Qaeda commander killed in Islamist power struggle for IS-controlled Derna". International Business Times. 10 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-10. Retrieved 10 June 2015.

[13] "Islamists clash in Derna, Abu Sleem leader reported killed". Libya Herald. 10 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-10. Retrieved 11 June 2015.

[libyaherald-14] "Heavy fighting continues near Derna". libyaherald.com. 29 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-07-03. Retrieved 29 June 2015.

[15] "Three children among dead in suicide bombing in Derna: UPDATE". libyaherald.com. 3 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-07-05. Retrieved 3 July 2015.

[middleeasteye.net-16] "Libyan army gears up for Derna assault". Middle East Eye. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.

[spiegel.de-17] SPIEGEL ONLINE, Hamburg, Germany (18 November 2014). "Islamic State Expanding into North Africa". Der Spiegel. Archived from the original on 2014-11-21. Retrieved 25 November 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[washingtonins-18] Zelin, Aaron Y. (10 October 2014). "The Islamic State's First Colony in Libya". The Washington Institute. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 21 November 2014.

[19] Paton, Callum (2015-06-15). "Isis in Libya: Islamic State driven out of Derna stronghold by al-Qaeda-linked militia". International Business Times UK. Archived from the original on 2018-06-28. Retrieved 2018-10-13. Analyst and non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council Centre for the Middle East, Mohammed Eljahr, told IBTimes UK that Abu Salim Brigade had always had superior numbers and firepower relative to IS in Derna.

[20] "Middle East updates / ISIS kills 14 Libyan soldiers, official government says". Haaretz.com. 3 January 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.

[21] "ISIS Fighters Kill 14 Soldiers in Southern Libya". News From Antiwar.com. 5 January 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.

[22] "Scores of Libyans pledge loyalty to ISIS chief in video". Al Arabiya. Reuters. 1 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 2015-01-09.

[Driven_from_Derna-23] "Libya officials: Jihadis driving IS from eastern stronghold". Associated Press. 30 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2016-04-06. Retrieved 30 July 2015.

[ISIL_militants_captured_in_Egyptian_ground_assault-24] "www.ibtimes.co.uk/libya-egyptian-troops-launch-ground-attack-isis-held-derna-capturing-55-militants-1488522". International Business Times. 18 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-02-19. Retrieved 18 February 2015.

[25] "Derna Mujahedeen sentence IS members to death". libyaherald.com. 6 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-07-07. Retrieved 6 July 2015.

[26] "Car bombed in Derna". libyaherald.com. 7 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-07-08. Retrieved 7 July 2015.

[libyaherald2-27] "Mujahideen claims to push back IS from high ground behind Derna". Libya Herald. 31 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-08-11. Retrieved 31 July 2015.

[28] "BBC News - Libya violence: Activists beheaded in Derna". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.

[29] "3 Activists 'beheaded' in Derna, Libya". OBS Forum. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.

[30] "Three Activists Beheaded in Eastern Libya". Diana Crandall. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2015.

[31] "ISIS in Libya claims execution of 2 Tunisian journalists - World - Dunya News". dunyanews.tv. 14 February 2008. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.

[32] "ISIS Claims To Have Executed Two Tunisian Journalists". International Business Times. 8 January 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.

[washtim2014-11-18-33] Ernst, Douglas (18 November 2014). "Islamic State takes Libyan city; 100K under terror group's control as chaos spreads". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on 2015-02-23. Retrieved 23 February 2015.

[fp2015-02-17-34] "The Islamic State of Libya Isn't Much of a State". Foreign Policy. 17 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-09. Retrieved 10 June 2015. He noted that it does not control all of Derna, where rival groups like the Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade still play a major role.

[35] "Islamic State 'province' advances in and around Libyan city of Sirte". Long War Journal. 9 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-09. Retrieved 10 June 2015. Last year, multiple press outlets erroneously reported that Baghdadi's loyalists run the city of Derna. That isn't true. The Islamic State has a significant contingent in Derna and controls part of the city, but other jihadists remain entrenched.

[clashes2-36] "Libyan Islamists claim to drive Islamic State from port stronghold". Reuters. 14 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-14. Retrieved 15 June 2015.

[37] Peraino, Kevin (19 April 2008). "Cover: The Jihadist Riddle". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 2014-11-14. Retrieved 18 November 2014.

[abcnews-38] "How a Libyan City Joined the Islamic State Group". ABC News. 9 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-11-18. Retrieved 21 November 2014.

[39] "Isis: Libya Baghdadi proclaimed chief of Derna Caliphate". ANSAmed. 31 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-11-13. Retrieved 18 November 2014.

[40] "Car bombs kill at least four in Libya as chaos mounts". Times of Malta. Reuters. 13 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 18 November 2014.

[hrw.org-41] "Libya: Extremists Terrorizing Derna Residents". Human Rights Watch. 27 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-12-05. Retrieved 3 December 2014.

[42] Chris Stephen (6 December 2014). "US expresses fears as Isis takes control of northern Libyan town". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28. Retrieved 29 January 2015.

[Derna_offensive_begins-43] "Libyan cities increasingly isolated". Al-Monitor. Archived from the original on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 10 June 2015.

[44] "Egyptian air strikes in Libya 'kill 50 Isis militants'". The Guardian. 16 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2016-12-02. Retrieved 2016-12-14.

[Libya_syncs_airstrikes_with_Egypt-45] "Libyan air force loyal to official government bombed targets in eastern city of Derna". Ynetnews. 16 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-02-16. Retrieved 16 February 2015.

[carnegie19June15-46] "Splitting the Islamists: The Islamic State's Creeping Advance in Libya". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. 19 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-23. Retrieved 23 June 2015.

[clashes_continue_in_Derna-47] "Dozens killed in attack on ISIS in Libya's Derna". 21 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-24. Retrieved 4 July 2015.

[victory-48] "A Victory Over the Islamic State in Libya". Foreign Policy. Archived from the original on 2015-06-30. Retrieved 4 July 2015.

[guardian-49] Martin Pengelly (14 November 2015). "Islamic State leader in Libya 'killed in US airstrike'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2015-11-15. Retrieved 14 November 2015.

[50] "Abu Nabil Al-Anbari "not killed" in US Derna attack". Libya Herald. 15 November 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-11-17. Retrieved 15 November 2015.

[eulogy-51] "Eulogy to Abu Nabil al-Anbari: Islamic State leader in Libya". Middle East Forum. Archived from the original on 2016-01-27. Retrieved 14 January 2016.

[52] "New Islamic State leader in Libya says group 'stronger every day'". Reuters. 10 March 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-03-11. Retrieved 10 March 2016.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Military campaign in Libya}}
 {{Other uses|Battle of Derna (disambiguation)}}
 {{Infobox military conflict
-|conflict=Derna campaign (2014–2016)
+| conflict          = Derna campaign (2014–2016)
-|partof=the [[Libyan Civil War (2014–present)]]<br />and the [[Military intervention against ISIL]]
+| partof            = the [[Second Libyan Civil War]]<br />and the [[International military intervention against ISIL|military intervention against ISIL]]
-|image=Port of Derna.jpg
+| image             = Port of Derna.jpg
-|image_size=300px
+| image_size        = 300px
-|caption=The view of [[Derna, Libya|Derna]] from a hilltop.
+| caption           = The view of [[Derna, Libya|Derna]] from a hilltop
-|date=5 October 2014 – 21 April 2016<br />({{Age in months, weeks and days|month1=10|day1=5|year1=2014|month2=04|day2=21|year2=2016}})<br /><small>(ISIL presence since early 2014)<ref name="ISIL has allies in 11 countries">{{cite web|url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/11/isis-now-has-military-allies-in-11-countries.html|title=ISIS Now Has Military Allies in 11 Countries -- NYMag|work=Daily Intelligencer|accessdate=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626130641/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/11/isis-now-has-military-allies-in-11-countries.html|archive-date=2015-06-26|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref></small>
+| date              = 5 October 2014 – 21 April 2016<br />({{Age in months, weeks and days|month1=10|day1=5|year1=2014|month2=04|day2=21|year2=2016}})<br />(ISIL presence since early 2014)<ref name="ISIL has allies in 11 countries">{{cite web|url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/11/isis-now-has-military-allies-in-11-countries.html|title=ISIS Now Has Military Allies in 11 Countries -- NYMag|work=Daily Intelligencer|date=23 November 2014 |access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626130641/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/11/isis-now-has-military-allies-in-11-countries.html|archive-date=2015-06-26|url-status=live}}</ref>
-|place=[[Derna, Libya|Derna]], [[Libya]]
+| place             = [[Derna, Libya|Derna]], [[Libya]]
-|result= Major Derna Shura Council of Mujahideen victory
+| result            = [[Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna]] victory
+| territory         = * ISIL militants capture parts of Derna and begin operating courts, schools, radio and administrative facilities.<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/>
-|territory=
+* The Libyan government captures villages and roads leading to Derna and implements a naval blockade of the city, while carrying out occasional airstrikes.
-*ISIL militants capture parts of Derna and begin operating courts, schools, radio and administrative facilities.<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/>
+* [[February 2015 Egyptian airstrikes in Libya|Egypt carries out airstrikes]] in February 2015, in response to ISIL's beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians.
-*The Libyan government captures villages and roads leading to Derna and implements a naval blockade of the city, while carrying out occasional airstrikes.
+* Clashes erupt between the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna and ISIL in June 2015, with ISIL being expelled from the city by late July 2015, but ISIL again entered Derna in December 2015.
-*[[February 2015 Egyptian airstrikes in Libya|Egypt carries out airstrikes]] in February 2015, in response to ISIL's beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians.
+* ISIL began redeploying forces from its positions on the outskirts of Derna to other parts of Libya in April 2016.<ref name=retreat>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-idUSKCN0XH27H|title=Islamic State in retreat around east Libyan city: military|work=Reuters|date=20 April 2016|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420194608/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-idUSKCN0XH27H|archive-date=2016-04-20|url-status=live}}</ref>
-*Clashes erupt between the Shura Council of Mujahideen and ISIL in June 2015, with ISIL being expelled from the city by late July 2015, but ISIL again entered Derna in December 2015.
+| status            =
-*ISIL began redeploying forces from its positions on the outskirts of Derna to other parts of Libya in April 2016.<ref name=retreat>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-idUSKCN0XH27H|title=Islamic State in retreat around east Libyan city: military|work=Reuters|date=20 April 2016|accessdate=20 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420194608/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-idUSKCN0XH27H|archive-date=2016-04-20|dead-url=no}}</ref>
+| combatant1        = {{flagdeco|Libya}} [[House of Representatives (Libya)|Libyan parliament]]<br />{{flagicon|Egypt}} [[Egypt]]<br />(airstrikes)<ref name="Egypt retaliates">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/02/16/egypt-airstrikes-isil-libya/23482049/|title=Egypt launches airstrikes against ISIL in Libya|publisher=USA today|date=16 February 2015|access-date=2017-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012070038/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/02/16/egypt-airstrikes-isil-libya/23482049/|archive-date=2017-10-12|url-status=live}}</ref><br />{{flag|United States}}<br />(airstrikes)<ref name="usairstrike">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/14/exclusive-u-s-targets-isis-in-libya-airstrike.html|title=Exclusive: U.S. Targets ISIS in Libya Airstrike|website=The Daily Beast|date=14 November 2015|access-date=14 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114214438/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/14/exclusive-u-s-targets-isis-in-libya-airstrike.html|archive-date=2015-11-14|url-status=live}}</ref>
-|status=
+| combatant2        = {{flag|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}<!-- consensus name --><ref name=haaretz>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.625652|title=Libyan city is first outside Syria, Iraq to join ISIS|date=10 November 2014|access-date=18 November 2014|work=Haaretz.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112232906/http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.625652|archive-date=2014-11-12|url-status=live}}</ref>
-|combatant1={{Flagdeco|Libya}} [[Council of Deputies|Libyan parliament]]<br />{{flagicon|Egypt}} [[Egypt]]<br />(airstrikes)<ref name="Egypt retaliates">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/02/16/egypt-airstrikes-isil-libya/23482049/|title=Egypt launches airstrikes against ISIL in Libya|publisher=USA today|date=16 February 2015|access-date=2017-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012070038/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/02/16/egypt-airstrikes-isil-libya/23482049/|archive-date=2017-10-12|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><br />{{flag|United States}}<ref name="usairstrike">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/14/exclusive-u-s-targets-isis-in-libya-airstrike.html|title=Exclusive: U.S. Targets ISIS in Libya Airstrike|website=The Daily Beast|date=14 November 2015|accessdate=14 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114214438/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/14/exclusive-u-s-targets-isis-in-libya-airstrike.html|archive-date=2015-11-14|dead-url=no}}</ref>
+| combatant3        = {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna]]<ref name="clashes">{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/al-qaida-militants-clash-libya-leader-killed-090144601.html|title=Al-Qaida-linked militants attack IS affiliate in Libya|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=10 June 2015|access-date=10 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610184053/http://news.yahoo.com/al-qaida-militants-clash-libya-leader-killed-090144601.html|archive-date=10 June 2015}}</ref>
-|combatant2=
+| commander1        = {{flagicon image| Flag_of_the_Libyan_National_Army.svg}} [[Khalifa Haftar]]<br />(Field Marshal of the Libyan National Army)<br /> [[Aguila Saleh Issa]]<br />{{flagdeco|Libya}}(President of the Libyan House of Representatives)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan Air Force.svg}} Brig. Gen.<br />[[Saqr Geroushi]]<br />(Commander of the Libyan Air Force)<br />{{flagicon image|Air Force Ensign of Egypt.svg}} [[Air Mshl]] [[Younes Hamed]]<br />(Commander of the Egyptian Air Force)
-{{flag|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}<!--consensus name--><ref name=haaretz>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.625652|title=Libyan city is first outside Syria, Iraq to join ISIS|date=10 November 2014|accessdate=18 November 2014|work=Haaretz.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112232906/http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.625652|archive-date=2014-11-12|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>
+* {{flagicon image| AynMarahBrigade.svg}} Abu Abdul Rahman al-Makki<br />(Commander and Shaykh of the Ayn Marah Martyrs Brigade)
-|combatant3={{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna]]<ref name="clashes">{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/al-qaida-militants-clash-libya-leader-killed-090144601.html|title=Al-Qaida-linked militants attack IS affiliate in Libya|work=[[Associated Press]]|date=10 June 2015|accessdate=10 June 2015|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610184053/http://news.yahoo.com/al-qaida-militants-clash-libya-leader-killed-090144601.html|archivedate=10 June 2015|df=}}</ref>
+| commander2        = {{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} '''[[Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi]]'''<br />(Leader of ISIL)<br />[[Abu Nabil al-Anbari]]{{KIA}}<br />(ISIL commander of North Africa)<ref name="usairstrike2">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/isis-leader-libya-presumed-killed-u-s-airstrike-n463516|title=ISIS Leader in Libya Presumed Killed by U.S. Airstrike|work=NBC News|access-date=14 November 2015|date=14 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114164212/http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/isis-leader-libya-presumed-killed-u-s-airstrike-n463516|archive-date=2015-11-14|url-status=live}}</ref><br /><br />[[Abu al-Baraa el-Azdi|Mohammed Abdullah]]<br />(Top ISIL judge in Derna)<ref name=haaretz/><br />Salah Benali{{KIA}}<br />(Shura Council of Islamic Youth leader in Derna)<ref name="ISIL leader in Derna killed"/><br />Sofian Qumu{{POW}} (Senior ISIL commander)<ref name="ISIL expelled from Derna"/>
-|commander1={{Flagdeco|Libya}} [[Abdullah al-Thani]]<br /><small>(Prime Minister of Libya)</small><br />{{Flagdeco|Libya}} [[Aguila Saleh Issa]]<br /><small>(President of the Libyan Council of Deputies)</small><br />{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan Air Force.svg}} Brig. Gen.<br />[[Saqr Geroushi]]<br /><small>(Commander of the Libyan Air Force)</small><br />{{Flagicon image|Air Force Ensign of Egypt.svg}} [[Air Mshl]] [[Younes Hamed]]<br /><small>(Commander of the Egyptian Air Force)</small>
+| commander3        = {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Salim Derby{{KIA}} (Leader of the Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade)<br /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/10/islamists-clash-in-derna-abu-sleem-commander-wounded-possibly-killed/#axzz3cfrg6NUs|title=Islamists clash in Derna, Abu Sleem leader reported killed|work=Libya Herald|date=10 June 2015|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610131359/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/10/islamists-clash-in-derna-abu-sleem-commander-wounded-possibly-killed/#axzz3cfrg6NUs|archive-date=2015-06-10|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-al-qaeda-commander-killed-islamist-power-struggle-controlled-derna-1505385|title=Isis in Libya: Al-Qaeda commander killed in Islamist power struggle for IS-controlled Derna|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=10 June 2015|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610230356/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-al-qaeda-commander-killed-islamist-power-struggle-controlled-derna-1505385|archive-date=2015-06-10|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Islamists clash in Derna, Abu Sleem leader reported killed|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/10/islamists-clash-in-derna-abu-sleem-commander-wounded-possibly-killed/#axzz3ckcj48tF|publisher=Libya Herald|date=10 June 2015|access-date=11 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610131359/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/10/islamists-clash-in-derna-abu-sleem-commander-wounded-possibly-killed/#axzz3ckcj48tF|archive-date=2015-06-10|url-status=live}}</ref><br />Hassan al-Mansouri{{KIA}} (Commander of the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna)<ref name=libyaherald>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/29/heavy-fighting-continues-near-derna/|title=Heavy fighting continues near Derna|date=29 June 2015|access-date=29 June 2015|work=libyaherald.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703223316/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/29/heavy-fighting-continues-near-derna/|archive-date=2015-07-03|url-status=live}}</ref><br />Hussam al-Nawaisri{{KIA}} (former leader of the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/03/breaking-news-multiple-bomb-attacks-in-derna/|title=Three children among dead in suicide bombing in Derna: UPDATE|date=3 July 2015|access-date=3 July 2015|work=libyaherald.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705092036/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/03/breaking-news-multiple-bomb-attacks-in-derna/|archive-date=2015-07-05|url-status=live}}</ref>
-|commander2={{Flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} '''[[Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi]]'''<br /><small>(Leader of ISIL)</small><br />[[Abu Nabil al-Anbari]]{{KIA}}<br /><small>(ISIL commander of North Africa)</small><ref name="usairstrike2">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/isis-leader-libya-presumed-killed-u-s-airstrike-n463516|title=ISIS Leader in Libya Presumed Killed by U.S. Airstrike|publisher=NBC News|accessdate=14 November 2015|date=14 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114164212/http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/isis-leader-libya-presumed-killed-u-s-airstrike-n463516|archive-date=2015-11-14|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><br /><br />[[Abu al-Baraa el-Azdi|Mohammed Abdullah]]<br /><small>(Top ISIL judge in Derna)</small><ref name=haaretz/><br />Salah Benali{{KIA}}<br /><small>(Shura Council of Islamic Youth leader in Derna)</small><ref name="ISIL leader in Derna killed"/><br />Sofian Qumu{{POW}} <small>(Senior ISIL commander)</small><ref name="ISIL expelled from Derna"/>
+| units1            = {{flag|Libya}}
-|commander3={{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Salim Derby]]{{KIA}} <small>(Leader of the Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade)</small><br /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/10/islamists-clash-in-derna-abu-sleem-commander-wounded-possibly-killed/#axzz3cfrg6NUs|title=Islamists clash in Derna, Abu Sleem leader reported killed|work=Libya Herald|date=10 June 2015|accessdate=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610131359/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/10/islamists-clash-in-derna-abu-sleem-commander-wounded-possibly-killed/#axzz3cfrg6NUs|archive-date=2015-06-10|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-al-qaeda-commander-killed-islamist-power-struggle-controlled-derna-1505385|title=Isis in Libya: Al-Qaeda commander killed in Islamist power struggle for IS-controlled Derna|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=10 June 2015|accessdate=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610230356/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-al-qaeda-commander-killed-islamist-power-struggle-controlled-derna-1505385|archive-date=2015-06-10|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Islamists clash in Derna, Abu Sleem leader reported killed|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/10/islamists-clash-in-derna-abu-sleem-commander-wounded-possibly-killed/#axzz3ckcj48tF|publisher=Libya Herald|date=10 June 2015|accessdate=11 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610131359/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/10/islamists-clash-in-derna-abu-sleem-commander-wounded-possibly-killed/#axzz3ckcj48tF|archive-date=2015-06-10|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><br />[[Hassan al-Mansouri]]{{KIA}} <small>(Commander of the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna)</small><ref name=libyaherald>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/29/heavy-fighting-continues-near-derna/|title=Heavy fighting continues near Derna|date=29 June 2015|accessdate=29 June 2015|work=libyaherald.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703223316/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/06/29/heavy-fighting-continues-near-derna/|archive-date=2015-07-03|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><br />[[Hussam al-Nawaisri]]{{KIA}} <small>(former leader of the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/03/breaking-news-multiple-bomb-attacks-in-derna/|title=Three children among dead in suicide bombing in Derna: UPDATE|date=3 July 2015|accessdate=3 July 2015|work=libyaherald.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705092036/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/03/breaking-news-multiple-bomb-attacks-in-derna/|archive-date=2015-07-05|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>
+* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan Air Force.svg}} [[Libyan Air Force]]<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/>
-|units1={{Flag|Libya}}
+* {{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_Libyan_National_Army.svg}} [[Libyan National Army|Libyan Army]]<ref name="middleeasteye.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/libyan-army-gears-derna-assault-1618109392|title=Libyan army gears up for Derna assault|work=Middle East Eye|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128070756/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/libyan-army-gears-derna-assault-1618109392|archive-date=2015-01-28|url-status=live}}</ref>
-*{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Libyan Air Force.svg}} [[Libyan Air Force]]<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/>
+* {{flagicon image| AynMarahBrigade.svg}} Ayn Marah Martyrs Brigade<ref name=libyaherald/>
-*{{Flagicon image|Flag_of_the_Libyan_National_Army.svg}} [[Libyan National Army|Libyan Army]]<ref name="middleeasteye.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/libyan-army-gears-derna-assault-1618109392|title=Libyan army gears up for Derna assault|work=Middle East Eye|accessdate=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128070756/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/libyan-army-gears-derna-assault-1618109392|archive-date=2015-01-28|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>
-*[[Ain Mara Brigade]]<ref name=libyaherald/>
 {{flagicon|Egypt}} [[Egypt]]
-* {{Flagicon image|Air Force Ensign of Egypt.svg}} [[Egyptian Air Force]]
+* {{flagicon image|Air Force Ensign of Egypt.svg}} [[Egyptian Air Force]]
-|units2=[[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya|Wilayat Barqa]]<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya">{{cite news|last1=Cruickshank|first1=Paul|last2=Robertson|first2=Nic|last3=Lister|first3=Tim|last4=Karadsheh|first4=Jomana|title=ISIS comes to Libya|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/18/world/isis-libya/index.html|accessdate=19 November 2014|agency=[[CNN]]|date=18 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218174026/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/18/world/isis-libya/index.html|archive-date=2015-02-18|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><ref name="ISIL leader in Derna killed">{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/09/17/derna-islamist-leader-killed-in-benghazi/#axzz3DExFoxFz|title=Derna Islamist leader killed in Benghazi|publisher=Libya Herald|date=17 September 2014|accessdate=17 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016024251/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/09/17/derna-islamist-leader-killed-in-benghazi/#axzz3DExFoxFz|archive-date=2014-10-16|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><ref name="spiegel.de">{{cite web|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/islamic-state-expanding-into-north-africa-a-1003525.html|title=Islamic State Expanding into North Africa|author=SPIEGEL ONLINE, Hamburg, Germany|date=18 November 2014|work=Der Spiegel|accessdate=25 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121121933/http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/islamic-state-expanding-into-north-africa-a-1003525.html|archive-date=2014-11-21|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>
+| units2            = {{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya|Wilayah Barqah]]<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya">{{cite news|last1=Cruickshank|first1=Paul|last2=Robertson|first2=Nic|last3=Lister|first3=Tim|last4=Karadsheh|first4=Jomana|title=ISIS comes to Libya|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/18/world/isis-libya/index.html|access-date=19 November 2014|agency=[[CNN]]|date=18 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218174026/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/18/world/isis-libya/index.html|archive-date=2015-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ISIL leader in Derna killed">{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/09/17/derna-islamist-leader-killed-in-benghazi/#axzz3DExFoxFz|title=Derna Islamist leader killed in Benghazi|publisher=Libya Herald|date=17 September 2014|access-date=17 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016024251/http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/09/17/derna-islamist-leader-killed-in-benghazi/#axzz3DExFoxFz|archive-date=2014-10-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="spiegel.de">{{cite web|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/islamic-state-expanding-into-north-africa-a-1003525.html|title=Islamic State Expanding into North Africa|author=SPIEGEL ONLINE, Hamburg, Germany|date=18 November 2014|work=Der Spiegel|access-date=25 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121121933/http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/islamic-state-expanding-into-north-africa-a-1003525.html|archive-date=2014-11-21|url-status=live}}</ref>
-|units3={{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade]]<ref name=washingtonins>{{cite news|last1=Zelin|first1=Aaron Y.|title=The Islamic State's First Colony in Libya|url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-islamic-states-first-colony-in-libya|accessdate=21 November 2014|work=The Washington Institute|date=10 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129064052/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-islamic-states-first-colony-in-libya|archive-date=2014-11-29|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>
+| units3            = {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade]]<ref name=washingtonins>{{cite news|last1=Zelin|first1=Aaron Y.|title=The Islamic State's First Colony in Libya|url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-islamic-states-first-colony-in-libya|access-date=21 November 2014|work=The Washington Institute|date=10 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129064052/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-islamic-states-first-colony-in-libya|archive-date=2014-11-29|url-status=live}}</ref>
-|strength1=Unknown
+| strength1         = Unknown
-|strength2={{Flagicon|ISIL}} [[Military of ISIL]]
+| strength2         = {{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Military of ISIL]]
-*1,100 fighters<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/>
+* 1,100 fighters<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/>
-|strength3=Over 1,100 fighters<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-islamic-state-driven-out-derna-stronghold-by-al-qaeda-linked-militia-1506241|title=Isis in Libya: Islamic State driven out of Derna stronghold by al-Qaeda-linked militia|last=Paton|first=Callum|date=2015-06-15|work=International Business Times UK|access-date=2018-10-13|language=en|quote=Analyst and non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council Centre for the Middle East, Mohammed Eljahr, told IBTimes UK that Abu Salim Brigade had always had superior numbers and firepower relative to IS in Derna.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628182227/https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-islamic-state-driven-out-derna-stronghold-by-al-qaeda-linked-militia-1506241|archive-date=2018-06-28|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>
+| strength3         = Over 1,100 fighters<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-islamic-state-driven-out-derna-stronghold-by-al-qaeda-linked-militia-1506241|title=Isis in Libya: Islamic State driven out of Derna stronghold by al-Qaeda-linked militia|last=Paton|first=Callum|date=2015-06-15|work=International Business Times UK|access-date=2018-10-13|language=en|quote=Analyst and non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council Centre for the Middle East, Mohammed Eljahr, told IBTimes UK that Abu Salim Brigade had always had superior numbers and firepower relative to IS in Derna.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628182227/https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-islamic-state-driven-out-derna-stronghold-by-al-qaeda-linked-militia-1506241|archive-date=2018-06-28|url-status=live}}</ref>
+| casualties1       = LNA:<ref name=libyaherald/><br />14 fighters executed<br />in [[Sabha, Libya|Sabha]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/middle-east-updates/1.635108|title=Middle East updates / ISIS kills 14 Libyan soldiers, official government says|date=3 January 2015|work=Haaretz.com|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128130057/http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/middle-east-updates/1.635108|archive-date=2015-01-28|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.antiwar.com/2015/01/04/isis-fighters-kill-14-soldiers-in-southern-libya/|title=ISIS Fighters Kill 14 Soldiers in Southern Libya|work=News From Antiwar.com|date=5 January 2015 |access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128055746/http://news.antiwar.com/2015/01/04/isis-fighters-kill-14-soldiers-in-southern-libya/|archive-date=2015-01-28|url-status=live}}</ref><br />Several militiamen deserted<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/01/Libyans-pledge-allegiance-to-ISIS-chief-in-video.html|title=Scores of Libyans pledge loyalty to ISIS chief in video|agency=[[Reuters]]|publisher=[[Al Arabiya]]|date=1 November 2014|access-date=2015-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128055337/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/01/Libyans-pledge-allegiance-to-ISIS-chief-in-video.html|archive-date=2015-01-28|url-status=live}}</ref>
+| casualties2       = 83+ fighters<br />killed<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/><ref name="Egypt retaliates"/><ref name="Driven from Derna"/><br />20 fighters<br />injured<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/><br />55 fighters<br />captured<ref name="ISIL militants captured in Egyptian ground assault">{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/libya-egyptian-troops-launch-ground-attack-isis-held-derna-capturing-55-militants-1488522|title=www.ibtimes.co.uk/libya-egyptian-troops-launch-ground-attack-isis-held-derna-capturing-55-militants-1488522|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=18 February 2015|access-date=18 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219004650/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/libya-egyptian-troops-launch-ground-attack-isis-held-derna-capturing-55-militants-1488522|archive-date=2015-02-19|url-status=live}}</ref><br />6 fighters<br />sentenced to death<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/06/derna-mujahedeen-sentence-is-members-to-death/|title=Derna Mujahedeen sentence IS members to death|date=6 July 2015|access-date=6 July 2015|work=libyaherald.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707172210/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/06/derna-mujahedeen-sentence-is-members-to-death/|archive-date=2015-07-07|url-status=live}}</ref> and executed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/07/car-bombed-in-derna/|title=Car bombed in Derna|date=7 July 2015|access-date=7 July 2015|work=libyaherald.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708150805/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/07/car-bombed-in-derna/|archive-date=2015-07-08|url-status=live}}</ref>
+| casualties3       = SCMD: 8 killed<br />(Battle against LNA)<ref name=libyaherald/><br />13 killed and<br />48 wounded<br />(Battle against ISIL at Kurfat Sebaa)<ref name=libyaherald2>{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/31/mujahideen-claims-to-push-back-is-from-high-ground-behind-derna/|title=Mujahideen claims to push back IS from high ground behind Derna|publisher=Libya Herald|date=31 July 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811042645/https://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/31/mujahideen-claims-to-push-back-is-from-high-ground-behind-derna/|archive-date=2015-08-11|url-status=live}}</ref>
+| notes             = 3 civilians executed by [[Military of ISIL|ISIL forces]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30011640|title=BBC News - Libya violence: Activists beheaded in Derna|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128063021/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30011640|archive-date=2015-01-28|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.obs.com.mt/forum/middle-east/libya-ab/881-3-activists-beheaded-in-derna-libya|title=3 Activists 'beheaded' in Derna, Libya|publisher=OBS Forum|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128071640/http://www.obs.com.mt/forum/middle-east/libya-ab/881-3-activists-beheaded-in-derna-libya|archive-date=2015-01-28|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dianacreports.com/2014/11/12/three-activists-beheaded-in-eastern-libya/|title=Three Activists Beheaded in Eastern Libya|work=Diana Crandall|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128054735/http://dianacreports.com/2014/11/12/three-activists-beheaded-in-eastern-libya/|archive-date=28 January 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><br />
+* 2 journalists executed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/World/254206-ISIS-in-Libya-claims-execution-of-2-Tunisian-journ|title=ISIS in Libya claims execution of 2 Tunisian journalists - World - Dunya News|work=dunyanews.tv|date=14 February 2008 |access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128054751/http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/World/254206-ISIS-in-Libya-claims-execution-of-2-Tunisian-journ|archive-date=2015-01-28|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/isis-claims-have-executed-two-tunisian-journalists-1777782|title=ISIS Claims To Have Executed Two Tunisian Journalists|date=8 January 2015|work=International Business Times|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128065919/http://www.ibtimes.com/isis-claims-have-executed-two-tunisian-journalists-1777782|archive-date=2015-01-28|url-status=live}}</ref>
+| campaignbox       = {{Campaignbox Second Libyan Civil War}}
+}}
+In October 2014, the self-declared [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL) took control of numerous government buildings, security vehicles and local landmarks in the Eastern [[Libya]]n coastal city of [[Derna, Libya|Derna]].<ref name=washtim2014-11-18>{{cite news|last1=Ernst|first1=Douglas|title=Islamic State takes Libyan city; 100K under terror group's control as chaos spreads|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/18/islamic-state-takes-libyan-city-100k-under-terror-/|access-date=23 February 2015|work=[[The Washington Times]]|date=18 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223123429/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/18/islamic-state-takes-libyan-city-100k-under-terror-/|archive-date=2015-02-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Although some media outlets reported the control as being absolute, rival groups like the al-Qaeda-affiliated [[Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade]] continued to control parts of the city.<ref name=fp2015-02-17>{{cite news|title=The Islamic State of Libya Isn't Much of a State|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/02/17/the-islamic-state-of-libya-isnt-much-of-a-state/|access-date=10 June 2015|work=[[Foreign Policy]]|date=17 February 2015|quote=He noted that it does not control all of Derna, where rival groups like the Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade still play a major role.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609220822/http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/02/17/the-islamic-state-of-libya-isnt-much-of-a-state/|archive-date=2015-06-09|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/06/islamic-state-branch-advances-in-and-around-libyan-city-of-sirte.php|title=Islamic State 'province' advances in and around Libyan city of Sirte|date=9 June 2015|work=Long War Journal|access-date=10 June 2015|quote=Last year, multiple press outlets erroneously reported that Baghdadi's loyalists run the city of Derna. That isn't true. The Islamic State has a significant contingent in Derna and controls part of the city, but other jihadists remain entrenched.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609230950/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/06/islamic-state-branch-advances-in-and-around-libyan-city-of-sirte.php|archive-date=2015-06-09|url-status=live}}</ref> Clashes erupted between ISIL and an [[Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna|alliance of Islamist groups]] in June 2015,<ref name="ISIL expelled from Derna">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-islamic-state-driven-out-derna-stronghold-by-al-qaeda-linked-militia-1506241|title=Isis in Libya: Islamic State driven out of Derna stronghold by al-Qaeda-linked militia|work=International Business Times UK|date=15 June 2015 |access-date=4 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626110138/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-islamic-state-driven-out-derna-stronghold-by-al-qaeda-linked-militia-1506241|archive-date=2015-06-26|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=clashes2/> with ISIL retreating from Derna to outlying suburbs the following month.<ref name="Driven from Derna">{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/d673b094a2b74057b8ca3ae27055af84/libya-officials-jihadis-driving-eastern-stronghold|title=Libya officials: Jihadis driving IS from eastern stronghold|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|date=30 July 2015|access-date=30 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406214223/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/d673b094a2b74057b8ca3ae27055af84/libya-officials-jihadis-driving-eastern-stronghold|archive-date=2016-04-06|url-status=live}}</ref> However, clashes continued between the Islamist alliance and the Tobruk-based government forces.
+== Background ==
-|casualties1=LNA:<ref name=libyaherald/><br />14 fighters executed<br />in [[Sabha, Libya|Sabha]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/middle-east-updates/1.635108|title=Middle East updates / ISIS kills 14 Libyan soldiers, official government says|date=3 January 2015|work=Haaretz.com|accessdate=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128130057/http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/middle-east-updates/1.635108|archive-date=2015-01-28|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.antiwar.com/2015/01/04/isis-fighters-kill-14-soldiers-in-southern-libya/|title=ISIS Fighters Kill 14 Soldiers in Southern Libya|work=News From Antiwar.com|accessdate=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128055746/http://news.antiwar.com/2015/01/04/isis-fighters-kill-14-soldiers-in-southern-libya/|archive-date=2015-01-28|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><br />Several militiamen deserted<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/01/Libyans-pledge-allegiance-to-ISIS-chief-in-video.html|title=Scores of Libyans pledge loyalty to ISIS chief in video|agency=[[Reuters]]|publisher=[[Al Arabiya]]|date=1 November 2014|access-date=2015-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128055337/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/01/Libyans-pledge-allegiance-to-ISIS-chief-in-video.html|archive-date=2015-01-28|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>
+The city of Derna has a history of Islamic radicalism. In 2007, American troops in Iraq uncovered a list of foreign fighters for the [[Iraqi insurgency (2003–11)|Iraqi insurgency]] and of the 112 Libyans on the list, 52 had come from Derna.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Peraino|first1=Kevin|title=Cover: The Jihadist Riddle|url=http://www.newsweek.com/cover-jihadist-riddle-85605|access-date=18 November 2014|work=Newsweek|date=19 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114200817/http://www.newsweek.com/cover-jihadist-riddle-85605|archive-date=2014-11-14|url-status=live}}</ref> Derna contributed more foreign fighters per capita to [[Islamic State of Iraq|al-Qaeda in Iraq]] than any city in the Middle East and the city has also been a major source of fighters in the [[Syrian Civil War]] and [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)|escalation of the Iraqi insurgency]], with 800 fighters from Derna joining ISIL.<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/>
-|casualties2=83+ fighters<br />killed<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/><ref name="Egypt retaliates"/><ref name="Driven from Derna"/><br />20 fighters<br />injured<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/><br />55 fighters<br />captured<ref name="ISIL militants captured in Egyptian ground assault">{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/libya-egyptian-troops-launch-ground-attack-isis-held-derna-capturing-55-militants-1488522|title=www.ibtimes.co.uk/libya-egyptian-troops-launch-ground-attack-isis-held-derna-capturing-55-militants-1488522|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=18 February 2015|accessdate=18 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219004650/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/libya-egyptian-troops-launch-ground-attack-isis-held-derna-capturing-55-militants-1488522|archive-date=2015-02-19|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><br />6 fighters<br />sentenced to death<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/06/derna-mujahedeen-sentence-is-members-to-death/|title=Derna Mujahedeen sentence IS members to death|date=6 July 2015|accessdate=6 July 2015|work=libyaherald.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707172210/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/06/derna-mujahedeen-sentence-is-members-to-death/|archive-date=2015-07-07|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> and executed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/07/car-bombed-in-derna/|title=Car bombed in Derna|date=7 July 2015|accessdate=7 July 2015|work=libyaherald.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708150805/http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/07/car-bombed-in-derna/|archive-date=2015-07-08|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>
-|casualties3=SCMD: 8 killed<br />(Battle against LNA)<ref name=libyaherald/><br />13 killed and<br />48 wounded<br />(Battle against ISIL at Kurfat Sebaa)<ref name=libyaherald2>{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/31/mujahideen-claims-to-push-back-is-from-high-ground-behind-derna/|title=Mujahideen claims to push back IS from high ground behind Derna|publisher=Libya Herald|date=31 July 2015|accessdate=31 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811042645/https://www.libyaherald.com/2015/07/31/mujahideen-claims-to-push-back-is-from-high-ground-behind-derna/|archive-date=2015-08-11|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>
-|notes=3 civilians executed by [[Military of ISIL|ISIL forces]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30011640|title=BBC News - Libya violence: Activists beheaded in Derna|work=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128063021/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30011640|archive-date=2015-01-28|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.obs.com.mt/forum/middle-east/libya-ab/881-3-activists-beheaded-in-derna-libya|title=3 Activists 'beheaded' in Derna, Libya|publisher=OBS Forum|accessdate=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128071640/http://www.obs.com.mt/forum/middle-east/libya-ab/881-3-activists-beheaded-in-derna-libya|archive-date=2015-01-28|dead-url=yes|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dianacreports.com/2014/11/12/three-activists-beheaded-in-eastern-libya/|title=Three Activists Beheaded in Eastern Libya|work=Diana Crandall|accessdate=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128054735/http://dianacreports.com/2014/11/12/three-activists-beheaded-in-eastern-libya/|archive-date=28 January 2015|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref><br />
-*2 journalists executed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/World/254206-ISIS-in-Libya-claims-execution-of-2-Tunisian-journ|title=ISIS in Libya claims execution of 2 Tunisian journalists - World - Dunya News|work=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128054751/http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/World/254206-ISIS-in-Libya-claims-execution-of-2-Tunisian-journ|archive-date=2015-01-28|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/isis-claims-have-executed-two-tunisian-journalists-1777782|title=ISIS Claims To Have Executed Two Tunisian Journalists|date=8 January 2015|work=International Business Times|accessdate=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128065919/http://www.ibtimes.com/isis-claims-have-executed-two-tunisian-journalists-1777782|archive-date=2015-01-28|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>{{notelist}}
-|campaignbox=}}
-{{Campaignbox 2014 Libyan Civil War}}
-In October 2014, the self-declared [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL) took control of numerous government buildings, security vehicles and local landmarks in the Eastern [[Libya]]n coastal city of [[Derna, Libya|Derna]].<ref name=washtim2014-11-18>{{cite news|last1=Ernst|first1=Douglas|title=Islamic State takes Libyan city; 100K under terror group's control as chaos spreads|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/18/islamic-state-takes-libyan-city-100k-under-terror-/|accessdate=23 February 2015|work=[[The Washington Times]]|date=18 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223123429/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/18/islamic-state-takes-libyan-city-100k-under-terror-/|archive-date=2015-02-23|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> Although some media outlets reported the control as being absolute, rival groups like the al-Qaeda-affiliated [[Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade]] continued to control parts of the city.<ref name=fp2015-02-17>{{cite news|title=The Islamic State of Libya Isn't Much of a State|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/02/17/the-islamic-state-of-libya-isnt-much-of-a-state/|accessdate=10 June 2015|work=[[Foreign Policy]]|date=17 February 2015|quote=He noted that it does not control all of Derna, where rival groups like the Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade still play a major role.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609220822/http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/02/17/the-islamic-state-of-libya-isnt-much-of-a-state/|archive-date=2015-06-09|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/06/islamic-state-branch-advances-in-and-around-libyan-city-of-sirte.php|title=Islamic State 'province' advances in and around Libyan city of Sirte|date=9 June 2015|work=Long War Journal|accessdate=10 June 2015|quote=Last year, multiple press outlets erroneously reported that Baghdadi's loyalists run the city of Derna. That isn't true. The Islamic State has a significant contingent in Derna and controls part of the city, but other jihadists remain entrenched.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609230950/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/06/islamic-state-branch-advances-in-and-around-libyan-city-of-sirte.php|archive-date=2015-06-09|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> Clashes erupted between ISIL and an [[Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna|alliance of Islamist groups]] in June 2015,<ref name="ISIL expelled from Derna">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-islamic-state-driven-out-derna-stronghold-by-al-qaeda-linked-militia-1506241|title=Isis in Libya: Islamic State driven out of Derna stronghold by al-Qaeda-linked militia|work=International Business Times UK|accessdate=4 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626110138/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-libya-islamic-state-driven-out-derna-stronghold-by-al-qaeda-linked-militia-1506241|archive-date=2015-06-26|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref><ref name=clashes2/> with ISIL retreating from Derna to outlying suburbs the following month.<ref name="Driven from Derna">{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/d673b094a2b74057b8ca3ae27055af84/libya-officials-jihadis-driving-eastern-stronghold|title=Libya officials: Jihadis driving IS from eastern stronghold|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|date=30 July 2015|accessdate=30 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406214223/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/d673b094a2b74057b8ca3ae27055af84/libya-officials-jihadis-driving-eastern-stronghold|archive-date=2016-04-06|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> However, clashes continued between the Islamist alliance and the Tobruk-based government forces.
-==Background==
+== Events ==
+=== ISIL takeover of Derna ===
-The city of Derna has been considered the most pious Muslim city in Libya and has a long history of Islamist radicalism. In 2007, American troops in Iraq uncovered a list of foreign fighters for the [[Iraqi insurgency (2003–11)|Iraqi insurgency]] and of the 112 Libyans on the list, 52 had come from Derna.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Peraino|first1=Kevin|title=Cover: The Jihadist Riddle|url=http://www.newsweek.com/cover-jihadist-riddle-85605|accessdate=18 November 2014|work=Newsweek|date=19 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114200817/http://www.newsweek.com/cover-jihadist-riddle-85605|archive-date=2014-11-14|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> Derna contributed more foreign fighters per capita to [[Islamic State of Iraq|al-Qaeda in Iraq]] than any other city in the Middle East and the city has also been a major source of fighters in the [[Syrian Civil War]] and [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)|escalation of the Iraqi insurgency]], with 800 fighters from Derna joining ISIL.<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/>
+On 5 October 2014, the ISIL-linked militant factions came together and pledged allegiance to ISIL. After the pledging ceremony, more than 60 pickup trucks filled with fighters cruised through the city in a victory parade.<ref name=abcnews>{{cite news|title=How a Libyan City Joined the Islamic State Group|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/libyan-city-joined-islamic-state-group-26789640?page=2|access-date=21 November 2014|work=[[ABC News]]|date=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118070549/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/libyan-city-joined-islamic-state-group-26789640?page=2|archive-date=2014-11-18|url-status=live}}</ref> A second more formal gathering took place on 30 October, where militants gathered to pledge allegiance to [[Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi]] in the city square, where a handmade bomb was detonated.<ref>{{cite news|title=Isis: Libya Baghdadi proclaimed chief of Derna Caliphate|url=http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2014/10/31/isis-libya-baghdadi-proclaimed-chief-of-derna-caliphate_28bc45c8-4ca3-48f7-94bb-fc9f75c6e39b.html|access-date=18 November 2014|work=ANSAmed|date=31 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113142427/http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2014/10/31/isis-libya-baghdadi-proclaimed-chief-of-derna-caliphate_28bc45c8-4ca3-48f7-94bb-fc9f75c6e39b.html|archive-date=2014-11-13|url-status=live}}</ref>
+=== Libyan airstrikes and planned assault ===
-==Events==
+On 12 November 2014, Libyan Air Force fighter jets carried out airstrikes in Derna, possibly in retaliation for the car bombs, which exploded in [[Benghazi]], [[Tobruk]] and the [[Al Abraq International Airport|Labraq Airport]]. Six ISIL militants were killed and 20 militants were wounded.<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/><ref>{{cite news|agency=Reuters|title=Car bombs kill at least four in Libya as chaos mounts|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20141113/world/Car-bombs-kill-at-least-four-in-Libya-as-chaos-mounts.543840|access-date=18 November 2014|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129045409/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20141113/world/Car-bombs-kill-at-least-four-in-Libya-as-chaos-mounts.543840|archive-date=2014-11-29|url-status=live}}</ref> According to [[Human Rights Watch]], some residents have fled the city in advance of an announced Libyan Armed Forces assault on Derna.<ref name="hrw.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/11/27/libya-extremists-terrorizing-derna-residents|title=Libya: Extremists Terrorizing Derna Residents|date=27 November 2014 |publisher=Human Rights Watch|access-date=3 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205221049/http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/11/27/libya-extremists-terrorizing-derna-residents|archive-date=2014-12-05|url-status=live}}</ref> Approval for a [[Libyan National Army|Libyan Army]] ground assault on Derna was given on 6 December 2014 and army units moved within a few kilometers of Derna, retaking control of villages and roads leading to the city.<ref name="middleeasteye.net"/> From December 2014, US drones and electronic surveillance planes began making "constant flights" from Italian bases over Derna.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/06/us-fears-isis-nothern-libya-derna|title=US expresses fears as Isis takes control of northern Libyan town|author=Chris Stephen|work=The Guardian|date=6 December 2014 |access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128073301/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/06/us-fears-isis-nothern-libya-derna|archive-date=2015-01-28|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 March 2015, the Tobruk-based government announced it was launching an offensive on the city of Derna, to expel ISIL and other militant groups from the city.<ref name="Derna offensive begins">{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2015/03/libya-bayda-tobruk-divided.html#|title=Libyan cities increasingly isolated|work=Al-Monitor|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626122955/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2015/03/libya-bayda-tobruk-divided.html|archive-date=2015-06-26|url-status=live}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=June 2015}}
+=== Egyptian military airstrikes ===
-===ISIL takeover of Derna===
+On 15 February 2015, the Islamic State in Libya released a video depicting the beheading of 21 [[Coptic Christians]] from Egypt. Within hours, the [[Egyptian Air Force]] responded with airstrikes against IS training locations and weapons stockpiles, killing 50 militants in [[Derna, Libya|Derna]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/16/egypt-air-strikes-target-isis-weapons-stockpiles-libya|title=Egyptian air strikes in Libya 'kill 50 Isis militants'|work=The Guardian|date=16 February 2015|access-date=2016-12-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202000126/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/16/egypt-air-strikes-target-isis-weapons-stockpiles-libya|archive-date=2016-12-02|url-status=live}}</ref> Warplanes acting under orders from the "official" Libyan government also struck targets in Derna, reportedly in coordination with Egypt's airstrikes.<ref name="Libya syncs airstrikes with Egypt">{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4627076,00.html|agency=Ynetnews|title=Libyan air force loyal to official government bombed targets in eastern city of Derna|date=16 February 2015|access-date=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216110553/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4627076,00.html|archive-date=2015-02-16|url-status=live}}</ref> A Libyan official stated that more joint airstrikes would follow.<ref name="Libya syncs airstrikes with Egypt"/>
-On 5 October 2014, the ISIL-linked militant factions came together and pledged allegiance to ISIL. After the pledging ceremony, more than 60 pickup trucks filled with fighters cruised through the city in a victory parade.<ref name=abcnews>{{cite news|title=How a Libyan City Joined the Islamic State Group|url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/libyan-city-joined-islamic-state-group-26789640?page=2|accessdate=21 November 2014|work=[[ABC News]]|date=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118070549/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/libyan-city-joined-islamic-state-group-26789640?page=2|archive-date=2014-11-18|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> A second more formal gathering took place on 30 October, where militants gathered to pledge allegiance to [[Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi]] in the city square, where a handmade bomb was detonated.<ref>{{cite news|title=Isis: Libya Baghdadi proclaimed chief of Derna Caliphate|url=http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2014/10/31/isis-libya-baghdadi-proclaimed-chief-of-derna-caliphate_28bc45c8-4ca3-48f7-94bb-fc9f75c6e39b.html|accessdate=18 November 2014|work=ANSAmed|date=31 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113142427/http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2014/10/31/isis-libya-baghdadi-proclaimed-chief-of-derna-caliphate_28bc45c8-4ca3-48f7-94bb-fc9f75c6e39b.html|archive-date=2014-11-13|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>
-===Libyan airstrikes and planned assault===
+=== 2015–2016 Battle of Derna ===
+In March 2015, the [[Libyan National Army]], affiliated with the Tobruk-based government, began to implement a siege of the city of Derna, in preparation for a future offensive on the city.<ref name="Derna offensive begins"/> However, by May 2015, the operation had stalled due to disputes between commanders and affiliated tribes.<ref name=carnegie19June15>{{cite web|title=Splitting the Islamists: The Islamic State's Creeping Advance in Libya|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/syriaincrisis/?fa=60447|work=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]]|date=19 June 2015|access-date=23 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623105421/http://carnegieendowment.org/syriaincrisis/?fa=60447|archive-date=2015-06-23|url-status=live}}</ref>
-On 12 November 2014, Libyan Air Force fighter jets carried out airstrikes in Derna, possibly in retaliation for the car bombs, which exploded in [[Benghazi]], [[Tobruk]] and the [[Al Abraq International Airport|Labraq Airport]]. Six ISIL militants were killed and 20 militants were wounded.<ref name="ISIS comes to Libya"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Reuters|title=Car bombs kill at least four in Libya as chaos mounts|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20141113/world/Car-bombs-kill-at-least-four-in-Libya-as-chaos-mounts.543840|accessdate=18 November 2014|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129045409/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20141113/world/Car-bombs-kill-at-least-four-in-Libya-as-chaos-mounts.543840|archive-date=2014-11-29|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> According to Human Rights Watch, some residents have fled the city in advance of an announced Libyan Armed Forces assault on Derna.<ref name="hrw.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/11/27/libya-extremists-terrorizing-derna-residents|title=Libya: Extremists Terrorizing Derna Residents|publisher=Human Rights Watch|accessdate=3 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205221049/http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/11/27/libya-extremists-terrorizing-derna-residents|archive-date=2014-12-05|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> Approval for a [[Libyan National Army|Libyan Army]] ground assault on Derna was given on 6 December 2014 and army units moved within a few kilometers of Derna, retaking control of villages and roads leading to the city.<ref name="middleeasteye.net"/> From December 2014, US drones and electronic surveillance planes began making "constant flights" from Italian bases over Derna.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/06/us-fears-isis-nothern-libya-derna|title=US expresses fears as Isis takes control of northern Libyan town|author=Chris Stephen|work=the Guardian|accessdate=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128073301/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/06/us-fears-isis-nothern-libya-derna|archive-date=2015-01-28|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> On 25 March 2015, the Tobruk-based government announced it was launching an offensive on the city of Derna, to expel ISIL and other militant groups from the city.<ref name="Derna offensive begins">{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2015/03/libya-bayda-tobruk-divided.html#|title=Libyan cities increasingly isolated|work=Al-Monitor|accessdate=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626122955/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2015/03/libya-bayda-tobruk-divided.html|archive-date=2015-06-26|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=June 2015}}
+The [[Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna]], an umbrella organisation of Derna-based Islamist factions opposed to ISIL, launched an offensive against ISIL in June 2015, following its involvement in the killing of two of their leaders.<ref name="clashes"/> After days of clashes, they were able to push ISIL out of large portions of the city,<ref name=clashes2>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-idUSKBN0OU0P520150614|title=Libyan Islamists claim to drive Islamic State from port stronghold|date=14 June 2015|work=Reuters|access-date=15 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614220224/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/14/us-libya-security-idUSKBN0OU0P520150614|archive-date=2015-06-14|url-status=live}}</ref> but clashes continued between them and the Tobruk-based government forces. By July 2015, the last ISIL militants in Derna were expelled from the city, withdrawing to al-Fatayeh on the outskirt where they continued to clash with the Derna Shura Council.<ref name="ISIL expelled from Derna"/><ref name="clashes continue in Derna">{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/06/21/Dozens-killed-in-attack-on-ISIS-in-Libya-.html|title=Dozens killed in attack on ISIS in Libya's Derna|date=21 June 2015 |access-date=4 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624191019/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/06/21/Dozens-killed-in-attack-on-ISIS-in-Libya-.html|archive-date=2015-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref> Taking advantage of ISIL's collapse in the city, the Shura Council began to impose their own rule and Libyan Army forces attempted to advance on the city.<ref name="victory">{{cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/06/24/a-victory-over-the-islamic-state-in-libya/|title=A Victory Over the Islamic State in Libya|work=Foreign Policy|access-date=4 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630112130/https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/06/24/a-victory-over-the-islamic-state-in-libya/|archive-date=2015-06-30|url-status=live}}</ref> Following continued clashes, ISIL retreated from al-Fatayeh and positions in Derna's outskirts in April 2016, reportedly to the group's stronghold in Sirte.<ref name=retreat/>
-===Egyptian military airstrikes===
-On 15 February 2015, the Islamic State in Libya released a video depicting the beheading of 21 [[Coptic Christians]] from Egypt. Within hours, the [[Egyptian Air Force]] responded with airstrikes against IS training locations and weapons stockpiles, killing 50 militants in [[Derna, Libya|Derna]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/16/egypt-air-strikes-target-isis-weapons-stockpiles-libya|title=Egyptian air strikes in Libya 'kill 50 Isis militants'|work=The Guardian|date=16 February 2015|access-date=2016-12-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202000126/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/16/egypt-air-strikes-target-isis-weapons-stockpiles-libya|archive-date=2016-12-02|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> Warplanes acting under orders from the "official" Libyan government also struck targets in Derna, reportedly in coordination with Egypt's airstrikes.<ref name="Libya syncs airstrikes with Egypt">{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4627076,00.html|agency=Ynetnews|title=Libyan air force loyal to official government bombed targets in eastern city of Derna|date=16 February 2015|accessdate=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216110553/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4627076,00.html|archive-date=2015-02-16|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> A Libyan official stated that more joint airstrikes would follow.<ref name="Libya syncs airstrikes with Egypt"/>
-===2015–2016 Battle of Derna===
+=== U.S. airstrike ===
+The United States launched an airstrike at Derna on 13 November 2015, targeting senior [[ISIL]] leader [[Abu Nabil al-Anbari]].<ref name="usairstrike"/><ref name=guardian>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/14/us-airstrike-isis-leader-libya|title=Islamic State leader in Libya 'killed in US airstrike'|author=Martin Pengelly|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=14 November 2015|access-date=14 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115060441/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/14/us-airstrike-isis-leader-libya|archive-date=2015-11-15|url-status=live}}</ref> Abu Nabil had previously led jihadist operations between [[Fallujah]] and [[Ramadi]] from 2004 to 2010 before relocating to Libya on the orders of [[Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi]]. It was the first military action against ISIL by the United States outside of Syria and Iraq. The [[Libya Herald]] reported that [[Abu Nabil al-Anbari]] was not killed in the airstrike,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2015/11/15/abu-nabil-al-anbari-not-killed-in-us-derna-attack-report/|title=Abu Nabil Al-Anbari "not killed" in US Derna attack|publisher=[[Libya Herald]]|date=15 November 2015|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015138/https://www.libyaherald.com/2015/11/15/abu-nabil-al-anbari-not-killed-in-us-derna-attack-report/|archive-date=2015-11-17|url-status=live}}</ref> however a eulogy to Abu Nabil al-Anbari was published online by a member of ISIL some weeks later<ref name="eulogy">{{cite web|url=http://jihadintel.meforum.org/194/eulogy-to-abu-nabil-al-anbari-islamic-state|title=Eulogy to Abu Nabil al-Anbari: Islamic State leader in Libya|publisher=[[Middle East Forum]]|access-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127065717/http://jihadintel.meforum.org/194/eulogy-to-abu-nabil-al-anbari-islamic-state|archive-date=2016-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref> and an interview with his replacement was published in an ISIL magazine in March 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-islamic-state-idUSKCN0WC1EB|title=New Islamic State leader in Libya says group 'stronger every day'|work=Reuters|date=10 March 2016|access-date=10 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311142008/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-islamic-state-idUSKCN0WC1EB|archive-date=2016-03-11|url-status=live}}</ref>
-In March 2015, the [[Libyan National Army]], affiliated with the Tobruk-based government, began to implement a siege of the city of Derna, in preparation for a future offensive on the city.<ref name="Derna offensive begins"/> However, by May 2015, the operation had stalled due to disputes between commanders and affiliated tribes.<ref name=carnegie19June15>{{cite web|title=Splitting the Islamists: The Islamic State's Creeping Advance in Libya|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/syriaincrisis/?fa=60447|work=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]]|date=19 June 2015|accessdate=23 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623105421/http://carnegieendowment.org/syriaincrisis/?fa=60447|archive-date=2015-06-23|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref>
+== See also ==
-The [[Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna]], an umbrella organisation of Derna-based Islamist factions opposed to ISIL, launched an offensive against ISIL in June 2015, following its involvement in the killing of two of their leaders.<ref name="clashes"/> After days of clashes, they were able to push ISIL out of large portions of the city.,<ref name=clashes2>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/14/us-libya-security-idUSKBN0OU0P520150614|title=Libyan Islamists claim to drive Islamic State from port stronghold|date=14 June 2015|work=Reuters|accessdate=15 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614220224/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/14/us-libya-security-idUSKBN0OU0P520150614|archive-date=2015-06-14|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> but clashes continued between them and the Tobruk-based government forces. By July 2015, the last ISIL militants in Derna were expelled from the city, withdrawing to al-Fatayeh on the outskirt where they continued to clash with the Derna Shura Council.<ref name="ISIL expelled from Derna"/><ref name="clashes continue in Derna">{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/06/21/Dozens-killed-in-attack-on-ISIS-in-Libya-.html|title=Dozens killed in attack on ISIS in Libya's Derna|publisher=|accessdate=4 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624191019/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/06/21/Dozens-killed-in-attack-on-ISIS-in-Libya-.html|archive-date=2015-06-24|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> Taking advantage of ISIL's collapse in the city, the Shura Council began to impose their own rule and Libyan Army forces attempted to advance on the city.<ref name="victory">{{cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/06/24/a-victory-over-the-islamic-state-in-libya/|title=A Victory Over the Islamic State in Libya|work=Foreign Policy|accessdate=4 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630112130/https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/06/24/a-victory-over-the-islamic-state-in-libya/|archive-date=2015-06-30|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> Following continued clashes, ISIL retreated from al-Fatayeh and positions in Derna's outskirts in April 2016, reportedly to the group's stronghold in Sirte.<ref name=retreat/>
-===U.S. airstrike===
-The United States launched an airstrike at Derna on 13 November 2015, targeting senior ISIL leader [[Abu Nabil al-Anbari]].<ref name="usairstrike"/><ref name=guardian>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/14/us-airstrike-isis-leader-libya|title=Islamic State leader in Libya 'killed in US airstrike'|author=Martin Pengelly|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=14 November 2015|accessdate=14 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115060441/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/14/us-airstrike-isis-leader-libya|archive-date=2015-11-15|dead-url=no}}</ref> Abu Nabil had previously led [[Al-Qaeda in Iraq]] operations between Fallujah and Ramadi from 2004 to 2010 before relocating to Libya. It was the first military action against ISIL by the United States outside of Syria and Iraq. The [[Libya Herald]] reported that [[Abu Nabil al-Anbari]] was not killed in the airstrike,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaherald.com/2015/11/15/abu-nabil-al-anbari-not-killed-in-us-derna-attack-report/|title=Abu Nabil Al-Anbari "not killed" in US Derna attack|publisher=[[Libya Herald]]|date=15 November 2015|accessdate=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015138/https://www.libyaherald.com/2015/11/15/abu-nabil-al-anbari-not-killed-in-us-derna-attack-report/|archive-date=2015-11-17|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> however a eulogy to Abu Nabil al-Anbari was published online by a member of ISIL some weeks later<ref name="eulogy">{{cite web|url=http://jihadintel.meforum.org/194/eulogy-to-abu-nabil-al-anbari-islamic-state|title=Eulogy to Abu Nabil al-Anbari: Islamic State leader in Libya|publisher=''[[Middle East Forum]]''|accessdate=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127065717/http://jihadintel.meforum.org/194/eulogy-to-abu-nabil-al-anbari-islamic-state|archive-date=2016-01-27|dead-url=no|df=}}</ref> and an interview with his replacement was published in an ISIL magazine in March 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-islamic-state-idUSKCN0WC1EB|title=New Islamic State leader in Libya says group 'stronger every day'|work=Reuters|date=10 March 2016|accessdate=10 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311142008/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-islamic-state-idUSKCN0WC1EB|archive-date=2016-03-11|dead-url=no}}</ref>
-==See also==
 {{Portal|Libya}}
-*[[List of wars and battles involving ISIL]]
+* [[List of wars and battles involving ISIL]]
-*[[American intervention in Libya (2016–present)|American involvement in the Second Libyan Civil War]]
+* [[American intervention in Libya (2015–present)]]
-*[[2015 Corinthia Hotel attack]]
+* [[2015 Corinthia Hotel attack]]
-*[[February 2015 Egyptian airstrikes in Libya]]
+* [[Fall of Nofaliya (2015)]]
+* [[February 2015 Egyptian airstrikes in Libya]]
-*[[Battle of Sirte (2015)]]
+* [[Battle of Sirte (2015)]]
-*[[Fall of Nofaliya (2015)]]
-==References==
+== References ==
-{{Reflist|2}}
+{{Reflist}}
 {{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}
 {{Military intervention against ISIL}}
-{{DEFAULTSORT:ISIL takeover of Derna}}
+{{DEFAULTSORT:Derna campaign (2014-2016)}}
 [[Category:Derna District]]
-[[Category:Military operations of the Second Libyan Civil War in 2014]]
+[[Category:Military operations of the Libyan civil war (2014–2020) in 2014]]
-[[Category:Military operations of the Second Libyan Civil War in 2015]]
+[[Category:Military operations of the Libyan civil war (2014–2020) in 2015]]
-[[Category:Military operations of the Second Libyan Civil War in 2016]]
+[[Category:Military operations of the Libyan civil war (2014–2020) in 2016]]
-[[Category:Military operations of the Second Libyan Civil War involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]
+[[Category:Military operations of the Libyan civil war (2014–2020) involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]
-[[Category:Military operations of the Second Libyan Civil War involving the United States]]
+[[Category:Military operations of the Libyan civil war (2014–2020) involving the United States]]
+[[Category:History of Derna, Libya]]

v t e War against the Islamic State
Operations in Syria	Iranian intervention in the Syrian civil war American rescue mission (4 July 2014) American-led intervention in Syria (22 September 2014 – present) Jordanian intervention in Syria (22 September 2014 – present) Turkish intervention in Syria (24 August 2016 – 29 March 2017) Russian intervention in Syria (30 September 2015 – present) French intervention in Syria (November 2015 – present) British intervention in Syria (2 December 2015 – present) German intervention in Syria (4 December 2015 – 12 January 2022) Dutch involvement in the Syrian civil war (29 January 2014 – present) Barisha raid (26–27 October 2019)
Operations in Iraq & Kurdistan Region	Iranian-led intervention in Iraq (13 June 2014 – present) American-led intervention in Iraq (15 June 2014 – 9 December 2021) withdrawal British intervention in Iraq (9 August 2014 – present) Australian intervention in Iraq (31 August 2014 – present) Canadian intervention in Iraq (4 September 2014 – present) French intervention in Iraq (19 September 2014 – present) Turkey–Islamic State conflict German intervention in Iraq (4 December 2015 – present)
Operations in Libya	Egyptian airstrikes in Libya (16 February 2015)
Operations in Afghanistan	Taliban security operations (2015–present) American-led intervention in Afghanistan (2015–2021) 2017 Nangarhar airstrike
Battles	Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014) First Battle of Tikrit Northern Iraq offensive (August 2014) Battle for Mosul Dam Battle of Zumar Sinjar massacre Siege of Amirli Siege of Kobanî Battle of Suq al Ghazi Salahuddin campaign (2014–2016) Battle of Baiji (2014–2015) Battle of Ramadi (2014–2015) Battle of Baiji (2014–2015) December 2014 Sinjar offensive Derna campaign (2014–2016) Eastern al-Hasakah offensive Second Battle of Tikrit Battle of Sarrin (March–April 2015) Anbar campaign (2015–2016) Palmyra offensive (May 2015) Western al-Hasakah offensive Al-Hasakah city offensive (May–June 2015) Tell Abyad offensive Battle of Sarrin (June–July 2015) Battle of al-Hasakah (June–August 2015) Kobanî massacre Battle of Ramadi (2015–2016) 2015 al-Hawl offensive November 2015 Sinjar offensive Nineveh Plains offensive Tishrin Dam offensive Siege of Fallujah (2016) Al-Shaddadi offensive (2016) Northern Aleppo offensive (March–June 2016) Battle of Hit (2016) Mosul offensive (2016) Battle of Sirte (2016) Battle of Ar-Rutbah (2016) Northern Raqqa offensive (May 2016) Third Battle of Fallujah (2016) Manbij offensive (2016) 2016 Abu Kamal offensive Operation Euphrates Shield Battle of Mosul (2016–2017) Raqqa campaign (2016–2017) Battle of Tabqa (2017) Battle of Raqqa (2017) Syrian Desert campaign (December 2016–April 2017) Battle of Tal Afar (2017) Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017–2019) Battle of Hawija (2017) 2017 Western Iraq campaign
Related	Defeating ISIS Aerial order of battle Ground order of battle Iran and the Islamic State Operation Inherent Resolve Timeline of the American-led intervention in the Syrian civil war American military intervention in Cameroon Response of Saudi Arabia to the Islamic State Collaborationism List of military awards and decorations of the international military intervention against the Islamic State
War in Iraq (2013–2017) Syrian civil war