Car Bombings Kill at Least Five at Eastern Libyan Army Funeral

Several car bombs targeting the funeral for a special forces commander in Libya’s second-largest city killed at least five people, the pan-Arab satellite channel Al-Hadath reported.

At least another 11 people were wounded in the attack in Benghazi, Al-Hadath and SkyNews Arabia reported. Al-Hadath said no military leaders were among the dead.

Eastern Libya is the base for strongman Khalifa Haftar, whose Libyan National Army is waging an offensive on the capital, Tripoli, the seat of the internationally-backed government led by Prime Minister Fayez Al-Sarraj.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. It comes as Islamic State is reportedly making a comeback in Libya and has vowed to target Haftar’s forces. The Libyan commander has cast his campaign to secure the country as a battle against terrorists.

Islamic State secured the central city of Sirte in 2015, hoping to use it as a launchpad for attacks in Libya and neighboring countries. The militants, however, were driven out by forces loyal to Sarraj, with the backing of U.S. airstrikes. The group also held Derna before being routed.