The Libyan National Army (LNA) captured Monday in the city of Derna, Hisham al-Ashmawy, one of Egypt’s most wanted terrorists.
A source at the Libyan military intelligence said al-Ashmawy, a former Egyptian special forces officer wanted by Cairo for suspected extremist militant activities, was accompanied by three women, an Egyptian and a Libyan, all accused of joining radical groups.
They were captured in Derna’s neighborhood of Al-Maghar, which lies 250 kilometers away from the Egyptian borders.
Egyptian authorities accuse al-Ashmawy of heading the Ansar al-Islam network, which claimed responsibility for a deadly desert ambush against Egyptian police last October.
A picture of al-Ashmawi with blood on his face has been published by the LNA.
The LNA’s Dignity Operations Room said Monday al-Ashmawy was wearing an explosive belt when he was captured.
It added that he was unable to detonate it because of the element of surprise and the speed of the execution of the operation.
Al-Ashmawy was with the wife and sons of Omar Rifai Sorour, the Mufti of the Shura Council of Mujahedeen in Derna, who died in June from injuries sustained during clashes with the Libyan forces.
LNA spokesman Ahmed Al-Mismari said al-Ashmawy may be handed in to Egypt after Libya complete their investigations with him.
Military analyst General Mohamed Qashqoush said he believes the current cooperation between Cairo and Tripoli may allow Libya to deliver the terrorist to Egypt.
From Derna, Libyan journalist Alia Al-Obeidi confirmed there are still several terrorist dormant cells inside the city.
“The fall of al-Ashmawy is considered a strong hit to extremists here,” she said.
