IS claims bomb attacks on Libya's Benghazi

The Islamic State (IS) on Wednesday claimed responsibility for attacks on eastern city of Benghazi on Tuesday, which killed 12 and wounded dozens.

Several IS affiliate groups in Libya have posted a video on social media websites showing a series of suicide bombings in Benghazi. The video contains footages of one attacker, allegedly a Tunisian, claiming himself "a Khalifa soldier," preparing to mount assault on an army checkpoint.

The attacks hit roads in al-Laithi area, near the airport of Benghazi, killing 12 including seven army soldiers.

Local TV al-Nabaa said the attacks were in retaliation for the death of Mohamed al-Arebi, also known as Boka al-Arebi, a senior terror leader killed in combat with Libya's national army.

Libya's national army has recently been tightening its grip on extremist groups like Ansar al-Sharia and Army of Islam, attempting to force them out of the city.

Benghazi, the birthplace of the 2011 protests that toppled Libya's former leader Muammar Gaddafi, has since witnessed a drastic escalation of violence.

The city has been a focal point for clashes between the army and extremist terror groups, and is plagued by suicide attacks, assassinations and kidnappings. Endit