Eastern Libyan forces killed a senior Al-Qaeda operative in southern Libya, in an operation to secure oil and gas resource.
According to Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesman, Ahmed Mismari, the forces killed Abu Talha al-Libi, a commander in Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and two other militants near Sabha.
He named the others as Abdullah al-Desouki, an Egyptian, and al-Mahdi Dangou, a Libyan also known as Abu Barakat, who Libyan official had previously said had links with Islamic State.
Al-Qaeda and Islamic State in southern Libya are responsible for a number of attacks in Libya and neighbouring countries.
Islamic State stepped up attacks in Libya, including Tripoli, in recent months after regrouping in the south having lost its main base in city of Sirte in late 2016.
The LNA sent troops to Sabha last week, triggering speculation they might be headed for the El Sharara oilfield.
