Maximum security alert declared in northwestern Libyan city after detected IS movements

TRIPOLI, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Joint Security Chamber of the northwestern Libyan city of Beni Walid on Tuesday declared a maximum security alert after movements of IS affiliates were detected nearby.

In a statement issued later on Tuesday, the chamber called on military and security units in the city to increase readiness and security alert.

It said these actions were announced after movements and meetings of IS members were detected near the city.

In December 2015, pro-government forces allied with the Libyan government defeated IS affiliates and expelled them from Sirte, some 450 km east of Tripoli. The remnant IS fighters fled to the southern valleys and mountainous areas.

From time to time, the terrorists set up mobile checkpoints on roads leading to southern cities and scrutinize passing civilian cars in search of soldiers or security personnel to kidnap, according to reports. Enditem