TUNIS — Libya’s internationally recognized government appealed to Arab countries to carry out airstrikes against the local Islamic State affiliate, which is expanding its hold on the coastal city of Sirte.
The statement late Saturday came after the affiliate seized control of a new neighborhood in Sirte. The militants shelled the area, killed a senior cleric, and hung the bodies of prisoners over bridges.
‘‘The Libyan government, unable to ward off these terrorist groups because of the arms embargo, and out of its historic responsibility toward its people, calls on brotherly Arab countries . . . to launch airstrikes against specific targets of [Islamic State] locations in Sirte in coordination with our concerned bodies,’’ the statement said.
Advertisement
The government also condemned the failure of the international community to take action against the group’s rise in Libya. The Arab League said it will hold an emergency meeting on Libya on Tuesday.
Egypt has joined Libya’s government in calls for international intervention there. Egypt has carried out airstrikes inside Libya, including in February after Islamic State militants killed 21 Egyptian hostages there.
In a separate development Sunday, the United States said it will withdraw its Patriot missile defense system deployed near Turkey’s border with Syria when its mandate expires in October. Because the border area in Syria is occupied by the Islamic State, there is now less of a threat of Syrian military shells landing in the country.
A joint Turkish and US announcement said units could be returned to Turkey within a week if the need arises. It said US Navy ships would be present in the Mediterranean to support Turkey’s defense.