Ansar al-Sharia (Libya)

Ansar al-Sharia (Libya) was a Salafist Islamist group that operated in Libya during the early 2010s, particularly in the aftermath of the 2011 Libyan Civil War. Its name translates to "Supporters of Sharia." The organization advocated for the implementation of strict Islamic law (Sharia) throughout Libya.

The group rose to prominence in several Libyan cities, including Benghazi, Derna, and Sirte. They established a presence through the provision of social services, such as charity work, and by enforcing their interpretation of Islamic morality. However, they are primarily known for their militant activities.

Ansar al-Sharia (Libya) was implicated in a number of attacks, most notably the 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, which resulted in the deaths of U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. This attack brought international scrutiny and condemnation.

The group was designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, the United States Department of State, and the United Kingdom, among others. These designations were based on their involvement in terrorist acts, their affiliation with al-Qaeda, and their threat to regional stability.

Following sustained military pressure from Libyan forces and rival Islamist groups, as well as airstrikes by foreign powers, Ansar al-Sharia (Libya) announced its dissolution in 2017. While the organization ceased to exist formally, its members and ideology continued to influence other Islamist groups and activities in Libya. The collapse of Ansar al-Sharia (Libya) was attributed to internal divisions, loss of territorial control, and the death or capture of key leaders.