Video ‘shows ISIS fighters being executed by Libyan forces’

A video circulating across social media is said to show ISIS fighters being executed by Libyan forced armed with semi-automatic weapons.

The unverified clip shows 18 men in orange jumpsuits being lined up on their knees and shot at point-blank range by their executors.

The video, posted online on Sunday, was reportedly taken on July 17 – around the same time that the United Nations called for investigations into the killings.

The video shows ISIS fighters dressed in orange jumpsuits, similar to how they dressed these prisoners (Rex)
The video shows ISIS fighters dressed in orange jumpsuits, similar to how they dressed these prisoners (Rex)

According to Al Jazeera, the man giving the order to shoot in the clip is Mahmoud al-Werfalli – a senior member of the Libyan National Army (LNA).

Human Rights Watch are now calling for an investigation into the executions, calling for those responsible to be dismissed.

The deputy director for Middle East and North Africa said: “This latest mass execution, if confirmed, would be one more in a string of atrocities committed by members of the Libyan National Army forces and is yet another manifestation of how its members are taking the law into their own hands.”

MORE: Rights group calls for probe into Libyan forces after execution video shown
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Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, added: “Our concern is based on reports suggesting the involvement of the Special Forces, a unit aligned with the LNA and in particular their field commander, Mahmoud al-Werfalli, in torturing detainees and summarily executing at least 10 captured men.

“We urge the LNA to ensure there is a full, impartial investigation into these allegations and also call on the group to suspend Mr. al-Werfalli from his duties as a Special Forces field commander pending the conclusion of such an investigation.”

She added: “The fight against terrorism cannot be used to justify summary executions or other grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”

Top pic: Rex/stock photo