The death sentences were given out to those convicted of participating in the killing of 53 people in the western city of Sabratha and destruction of public property, according to the statement. Another 16 militants were given prison sentences, two of them for life. The court did not specify when the sentences would be carried out.

Libya remains split between two rival administrations after years of civil war. The divide between authorities in the capital of Tripoli and eastern Libya has led to the deterioration of government institutions and services, and widespread lawlessness.

Islamic extremists expanded their reach in Libya after the 2011 uprising toppled and later killed longtime ruler Muammar Qaddafi. IS was driven from its main stronghold, the coastal city of Sirte, in 2016 and fled inland. The militants also maintain a presence in other pockets such as western Sabratha, not far from the country’s border with Tunisia.

In February 2016, the United States carried out an airstrike on an IS training camp near Sabratha, killing at least 40 people, as part of its effort to eradicate the Islamic State.