Libyan official says suspected Islamic State militants attack Tripoli prison, gunmen killed

TRIPOLI, Libya – Libyan security forces say suspected Islamic State militants have attacked a prison in the capital, Tripoli, in an attempt to free inmates.

Special Deterrent Forces spokesman Maad Khalil says six militants wearing explosive belts broke through the prison fence Friday using a rocket-propelled grenade. Khalil says prison guards repelled the attack and killed the gunmen. A guard and a prisoner were also killed.

The Islamic State group's "Tripoli Province" affiliate claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement circulated by sympathizers on Twitter. The Associated Press could not immediately verify the statement's authenticity.

Libya has slid into chaos after the 2011 overthrow and killing of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Split between rival militias and governments, the IS affiliate has benefited from the turmoil and captured some areas in Libya.