Islamic State is building an “army of the poor” in its new haven in Libya by recruiting foot soldiers from Africa’s poorest communities, The Daily Telegraph has reported.
The terror group’s Libyan chapter is swelling its ranks by offering cash bounties of up to $1,000 to people from neighbouring countries such as Chad, Mali, Nigeria and Sudan.
Libyan officials admit that they are almost powerless to stop the incomers, many of whom reach Libya using existing people-smuggling routes used by African migrants heading to Europe.
Islamic State is copying a strategy first used by Libya’s late dictator, Colonel Gaddafi, who recruited thousands of mercenaries from black Africa to serve in his armies.
In much the same way, the Islamic State’s new “Caliphate” in Colonel Gaddafi’s home city of Sirte now has a growing number of black African fighters.
Colonel Muncif al Walda, a senior police officer in the nearby city of Misrata, said:“Illegal immigration is a menace because it brings and encourages foreign fighters to come and fight with Isil.
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