February 17th Martyrs Brigade | |
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كتيبة شهداء 17 فبراير Participant in the Libyan Civil War, Post-civil war violence in Libya, and the Second Libyan Civil War |
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Logo of the February 17th Martyrs Brigade
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Ideology | Islamism |
Strength | 1,500–3,500 |
Part of | Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries |
Allies | Ansar al-Sharia |
Battles and wars |
Libyan Civil War 2012 Benghazi attack Post–civil war violence in Libya Second Libyan Civil War |
The February 17th Martyrs Brigade is an Islamist militia active in Libya. It is considered to be the largest and best armed militia in eastern Libya. The brigade is financed by the Libyan defense ministry. The brigade consists of at least 12 battalions and possesses a large collection of light and heavy weapons in addition to training facilities. Its membership is estimated at between 1,500 and 3,500. The group has carried out various security and law and order tasks in eastern Libya and Kufra in the south.
This brigade was called on for assistance by the US government during the 2012 Benghazi attack.