Isis is building an "army of the poor" in its new haven in Libya by recruiting foot soldiers from Africa's poorest nations, intelligence chiefs have warned.
The terrorist group's Libyan chapter is swelling its ranks by offering cash bounties of up to US$1000 ($1526) to people from impoverished neighbouring countries such as Chad, Mali and Sudan to join. In countries where many earn less than US$2 a day, even a few hundred dollars is the equivalent of a year's salary.
Libyan officials admit they are almost powerless to stop the incomers, many of whom reach Libya using existing people-smuggling routes used by migrants heading to Europe.
Isis (Islamic State) is copying a strategy first used by Libya's late dictator, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, who recruited thousands of mercenaries from black Africa to serve in his armies.
In much the same way, Isis' new "caliphate" in Gaddafi's home city of Sirte now has a growing number of black African fighters alongside the Iraqis and Syrians who make up its core leadership.
