Database: Identifiers of Designated Islamic Terrorist Organizations

Libyan Islamic Fighting Group

Designated as terrorist by: European Union, United Kingdom, United Nations, United States

Base of operations: Libya

Background: Institute for the Study of Violent Groups
Background: U.S. Department of State

Founded by Libyans who had battled Soviet forces in Afghanistan, the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) built a reputation for being the most powerful faction waging jihad against the regime of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in an effort to establish an Islamic state in Libya. After long denying links to al-Qaeda, a formal merger was announced by al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in 2007. Under the name Libyan Islamic Movement for Change, LIFG members played a key role in the 2011 rebellion that toppled Gaddafi. LIFG operatives are believed to be among those responsible for planning the Casablanca suicide bombings of 2003.

Libyan Islamic Fighting Group Emblem