Fighters executed in grim remake of IS videos

LIBYA: A video appears to show the mass execution of alleged Islamic State (Isis) fighters in Libya while they wear orange jumpsuits - in what appears to be a grim remake of the jihadists’ own murder videos.

The footage apparently shows forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar, a military strongman in control of much of eastern Libya, lining up and shooting a group of 18 suspected jihadists.

The captives are on their knees with their hands tied behind their backs and their heads covered with black hoods. Each man wears an orange jumpsuit, similar to the ones worn by Isil captives in a series of execution videos featuring the British terrorist known as ‘‘Jihadi John’’.

Squads of masked gunmen walk behind each row of prisoners and shoot them in the back of the head.

One man appears to survive the initial shooting so he is hauled back to his knees and killed during a second round of shots.

The execution was reportedly carried out by Captain Mahmoud al-Wirfalli, a special forces leader in General Haftar’s army who has been accused of killings and torture in the past.

The UN has previously raised concerns about Captain al-Wirfalli and called on General Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) to suspend him.

‘‘We urge the LNA to ensure there is a full, impartial investigation into these allegations and also call on the group to suspend al-Wirfalli from his duties as a special forces field commander pending the conclusion of such an investigation,’’ Liz Throssell, a UN spokeswoman said last week.

The video showing the execution of Isis suspects was released on Monday but the killings are believed to have taken place on July 17.

Emmanuel Macron, the French president, was today due to host Haftar and the head of Libya’s UNbacked government to try to promote reconciliation between the two sides.

Haftar has so far refused to recognise the authority of the government, which is based in Tripoli, contributing to Libya’s deeply fractured politics.

The general is supported with funds and arms from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

- Telegraph Group