Top IS commanders 'taking refuge' in Libya

Libya has been unstable since Col Gaddafi was ousted in 2011

Several senior commanders from the so-called Islamic State have moved to Libya from Iraq and Syria in recent months, according to a top Libyan intelligence official.

The official told us that increasing numbers of foreign fighters had arrived in the city of Sirte. IS took control of Sirte, the birthplace of killed LIbyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, last year.

Ismail Shukri, the head of intelligence in the city of Misrata, told Newsnight there had been an influx of foreign fighters in recent months. 

"The majority [of IS fighters in Sirte] are foreigners, around 70%. Most of them are Tunisians, followed by Egyptians, Sudanese and a few Algerians. 

"Add to that the Iraqis and the Syrians. Most of the Iraqis come from Saddam Hussein's disbanded army," he added. 

Mr Shukri said senior IS commanders were taking refuge in Libya, under pressure from international airstrikes in Iraq and Syria.  

"They view Libya as a safe haven," he said.