The Libyan Islamic Group (LIG) was an extremist Islamist organization that operated in Libya during the 1990s. Founded in 1995, it aimed to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law, ultimately seeking to overthrow the Libyan government led by then-leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The LIG was considered a radical Islamist group due to its fundamentalist interpretation of Islam. It viewed Western values and systems as incompatible with its religious beliefs, leading it to engage in acts of violence against the Libyan government, security forces, and civilians. The organization particularly targeted symbols of secularism, including officials and institutions it perceived as supporting the government.
The group's modus operandi included bombings, assassinations, and armed attacks, along with propagating radical ideologies through mosques and religious gatherings. Despite their relatively short existence, the LIG successfully carried out several high-profile attacks, causing casualties and widespread fear.
As a result of its activities, the Libyan government cracked down on the organization, leading to its decline by the early 2000s. Many LIG members fled the country, while others were captured or killed. The organization's significance further diminished after the ousting and death of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 during the Libyan Civil War.
Due to its extremist ideology and violent actions, the Libyan Islamic Group is widely regarded as a terrorist organization by numerous governments and international organizations. Efforts have been made to counter the group's influence and dismantle its networks in order to ensure stability and security in Libya.
