Libya's Ministry of Justice calls for prosecuting security checkpoint attackers

Libya's Ministry of Justice on Saturday called on the Attorney General to take legal actions against those responsible for a deadly IS attack on a security checkpoint in the western Libyan city of Zliten.

"Such actions will not deter it from exercising its responsibilities and carrying out its duties. The ministry affirms that these acts will only increase the Libyans' determination to fight terrorism," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry calls on the Attorney General's Office to take legal actions against those responsible of this heinous act and called on all components of society to stand together in order to combat and defeat terrorism, it said.

IS affiliates on a four-wheel drive vehicle earlier on Thursday attacked a security checkpoint in the western city of Zliten, some 160 km east of the capital Tripoli, killing seven security personnel and injuring two others, according to a local security source.

IS on Saturday claimed responsibility for the attack, confirming that the "Mujahideen returned safely to their positions" after carrying out the attack.

The attack came less than a day after IS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, called on his supporters to "turn to Libya and support the Mujahideen in Libya, Syria and Iraq."

A number of Libyan cities have previously suffered similar terrorist attacks, targeting security and military checkpoints.