The Islamic State (IS) group in the Libyan city of Sirte has seized control over 12 military camps, a local official told Xinhua on Thursday.

"Information received from an IS member confirms that the IS affiliates are controlling 12 military camps in Sirte, where they carry weapon and bomb attacks training. The number of camps controlled by the group is likely to increase due to external military support," the official said on condition of anonymity.

He added that "IS members find that none authorities can stop them. Therefore, they are now more confident to expand to other city."

Besides the eastern city of Sirte, IS affiliates have earlier taken over the city of Derna.

Libya has been suffering a security vacuum and a state of insecurity ever since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The country is plagued by extremist groups loyal to the IS, while political divisions have left the North African country vulnerable to those groups. Endit

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