An Islamic State of Iraq and Syria affiliate has taken control of a civilian air base in Libya, the latest in a series of gains by the terror group, the Associated Press is reporting.
Militants took over the al-Qardabiya air base late Thursday after the militia that had been protecting the base withdrew, according to the AP. A spokesman for the militia told the AP that his forces departed after a call for reinforcements to Libya’s government was not answered.
The Defense Department said Friday it was aware of the reports, but did not have additional information to provide.
The Pentagon has maintained that the Islamic State has only tenuous relationships with affiliated groups that operate under its name. But the department has admitted in recent weeks that the terror group’s foothold there may be gaining in its ability to send finances and maintain operational relationships.
Libya’s government has been largely non-functioning since the country spiraled into civil war in 2011. Gen. David Rodriguez, commander of U.S. Africa Command, has repeatedly warned that the Islamic State is pursuing opportunities there to expand, given the country’s inability to respond or protect itself.
