The European Center for Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Studies (ECCI) stated in a report that the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) is one of the most prominent extremist “Islamist” groups in Britain.
In a report prepared by the researcher, Heba Gharbi the center said that the British government noted that the country faced numerous threats, mainly from Islamic extremists, the extreme right, and anarchists.
In a comprehensive review outlining the country’s post-Brexit political priorities, the British government warned that mismanagement and chaos, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, would give way to extremist groups while increasing the likelihood of states sponsoring terrorism and resorting to proxy wars.
The LIFG, headquartered in southern Manchester, is a branch of the global extremist Islamic movement that draws its ideas from Al-Qaeda. Its most prominent members include Abdel-Hakim Belhaj and Khaled Al-Sharif, both of whom fought with the Mujahedeen movement and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
Belhaj is the owner of Al-Nabaa TV, which has been accused of supporting terrorism in Libya for years. He is considered one of the most prominent leaders linked to Al-Qaeda. A number of reports have alleged that he has received millions of dollars in support and funding from abroad to destabilize Libya.
The UK witnessed a noticeable increase in the number of Islamic extremist cases, during the period between March 2019-2020.
In September, Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohamed Al-Hweij met with the UK Ambassador to Libya, Caroline Hurndall in Tripoli. They discussed aspects of bilateral economic and commercial cooperation.